David Fincher came up with some of the most arresting visuals and ideas in the 1990s - Se7en, The Game and Fight Club, but this dark thriller doesn't reach the same high standards.
It is a watchable affair nonetheless, with Jodie Foster as a recently separated mother searching for prime New York apartment block space with her 10-year (roughly) old son (Kristen Stewart). The apartment is spanking brand new with all the mod cons, including the all important "panic room", a kind of impenetrable safe for humans. This comes in handy when their quarters are invaded by a group of professional burglars (Billy Bob Thornton, Forest Whittaker and Dwight Yoakam).
A battle of wits ensues, but it becomes increasingly hackneyed and silly, particularly the bit with the gas pipe. It has plenty of tense moments, but the daft plot lets it down. The gloomy visuals add a certain degree of class, however.
If you have seen Desperate Hours and many other films of this type, then you will pretty much know the routine.
It is a watchable affair nonetheless, with Jodie Foster as a recently separated mother searching for prime New York apartment block space with her 10-year (roughly) old son (Kristen Stewart). The apartment is spanking brand new with all the mod cons, including the all important "panic room", a kind of impenetrable safe for humans. This comes in handy when their quarters are invaded by a group of professional burglars (Billy Bob Thornton, Forest Whittaker and Dwight Yoakam).
A battle of wits ensues, but it becomes increasingly hackneyed and silly, particularly the bit with the gas pipe. It has plenty of tense moments, but the daft plot lets it down. The gloomy visuals add a certain degree of class, however.
If you have seen Desperate Hours and many other films of this type, then you will pretty much know the routine.