Predictable and Forgettable
Taking Lives is just another crime drama. There's really nothing spooky about it all, the way it was hyped up to be. There's a killer that follows a certain pattern, and of course, only one detective and catch him. After the opening of the film, there's really not much excitement to be had. Sure, the acting is great, but that doesn't save the film from it's unoriginal and predictable story.
Angelina Jolie plays Illeana, an FBI profiler called in by the Montreal Police to catch a serial killer. This killer assumes the identity of his victims, and will lead their life as his own for several years. Illeana uses unusual methods to catch her killers, like laying down in the grave of the latest victim. She spreads photographs of the crime scene all over her apartment, studying them for the smallest details. She might just be a tad obsessive. After the killer is recognized by the art dealer Costa (Ethan Hawke), she has more and more evidence to trap the killer. Her and Costa develop a small relationship throughout the course of the movie, and for the most part, it's fairly believable. The rest of the movie is Jolie doing weird things, Hawke looking scared all of the time, and of course the obligatory fight scene and foot chase. The ending is amateur-ish at best. It plays out like something I would have written in 7th grade.
The actors are just too good for this movie. Jolie really needs to move on. Unless the next crime drama she signs up for is at the same caliber as 'Se7en', she needs to steer clear or she's going to end up stuck in that role. She's very talented, and needs to stop doing these kind of flicks. Ethan Hawke, while not a powerhouse of an actor, certainly proved his worth in 'Training Day'. He shows incredible talent in this movie, and at times, he is better than Jolie. But if it was one crime this movie committed, it was the under-use of Keifer Sutherland. The man is easily the best actor in the movie, and he only has a couple of scenes. His scenes are the best in the movie, and could have made the film as a whole more entertaining. But sadly, he is absent, and therefore, it is boring.
I'm at a loss of what to say about this movie. It is highly unoriginal, average at best, and seemingly, its only purpose is to hold some very talented actors back. If you're seeing this for Keifer, then just back off right now and go buy the '24' DVD sets. If you're seeing it for Jolie or Hawke, then go right ahead, but if you're expecting a good movie, just stay home.