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Review

Based on the first book in James Patterson's Alex Cross series, this convoluted prequel to 1997's Kiss the Girls brings back Freeman as the noted forensics detective, and the actor absolutely shines as the sleuthing shrink Cross. Freeman endows the good doctor with such wisdom and humanity that his appearing in this tangled thriller is a crime almost worthy of an investigation by Cross himself. Cross is brought in on the case of the kidnapping of a U.S. senator's young daughter. He teams with the Secret Service agent (Potter) who was assigned to look after the youngster. As the kidnapper plays cat and mouse with Cross, the detective tries to piece together what little clues he has to locate the girl. Director Tamahori gives the film a polished look, and maintains a minimum of suspense throughout. But neither competent direction nor Freeman's graceful turn can compensate for Marc Moss' screenplay adaptation that relies too heavily on coincidence and illogical plot developments. Wincott is quite good as the kidnapper, though Potter is unbelievable as a government agent.