- Director: Gary Fleder
- Producers: Joe Wizan, David Brown
- Screenwriters: James Patterson, David Klass, DJ Hurricane
- Distributor: Paramount Pictures
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Rysher Entertainment
- Rating: R
- Genre: Mystery & Thriller
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theaters): October 3, 1997
- Release Date (Streaming): October 19, 2011
- Box Office (Gross USA): $60.5 million
- Runtime: 2 hours
- Sound Mix: Surround
- Aspect Ratio: 35mm, Scope (2.35:1)
Plot:
Successful forensic psychologist Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) is thrown into a terrifying personal mission when his niece Naomi disappears in the suspenseful mystery thriller Kiss the Girls. Cross believes that her disappearance is the result of a well-known serial kidnapper known only as “Casanova,” who has been kidnapping young women across the nation, after speaking with police Detective Nick Ruskin (Cary Elwes).
When Ashley Judd’s character, Dr. Kate McTiernan, is abducted by Casanova and imprisoned in his enigmatic lair with several other women, the plot thickens. McTiernan escapes, proving to be the first victim to elude Casanova’s grasp thanks to his incredible bravery and tenacity. She is a priceless ally to Cross because of her terrifying experience and insider knowledge.
McTiernan and Cross work together in an improbable alliance, pooling their knowledge and tenacity to find the insane Casanova. They discover a terrifying network of kidnappings and a psychologically sophisticated adversary who outwits them as they investigate the case further. Cross and McTiernan must outwit the deranged criminal in order to bring him to justice during the pivotal confrontation that results from the race against time to free the remaining hostages.
Movie Review
A gripping and captivating thriller, Kiss the Girls keeps viewers on the edge of their seats the entire time. Gary Fleder, the director, skillfully combines drama, psychological intrigue, and suspense in this film, which is supported by a strong cast.
As Alex Cross, Morgan Freeman excels, giving a subtle yet powerful performance. Cross is portrayed by Freeman with an intellectual rigor and strong emotional resonance, which makes the character’s quest for justice both interesting and realistic. In her role as Dr. Kate McTiernan, Ashley Judd excels as well, bringing both vulnerability and a fierce determination to the role of survivor turned avenger.
Detective Nick Ruskin, played by Cary Elwes, gives a strong supporting performance that deepens the complexity of the investigation. The story revolves around the relationship between Freeman and Judd; you can feel their chemistry as they negotiate the turns and turns of their dangerous mission.
A consistent escalation of suspense is guaranteed by Fleder’s directing, and James Patterson, David Klass, and DJ Hurricane’s screenplay deftly transforms Patterson’s novel into a cohesive story. The spooky and menacing ambiance of Casanova’s hideout is beautifully captured by the cinematography, heightening the suspenseful mood of the movie.
Although Kiss the Girls follows certain genre norms, it stands out for having a character-driven storyline and a complex antagonist. The film is elevated above ordinary thrillers by its examination of fear, survival, and the human psyche, which adds layers of complexity.
Kiss the Girls, as a whole, is a clever and compelling thriller that offers both dramatic tension and moments of intense tension. With its captivating story and excellent performances, it continues to be a standout entry in the genre.
Cast
- Morgan Freeman as Dr. Alex Cross
- Ashley Judd as Dr. Kate McTiernan
- Cary Elwes as Detective Nick Ruskin
- Tony Goldwyn as Dr. Will Rudolph
- Jay O. Sanders as FBI Agent Kyle Craig
- Bill Nunn as Detective John Sampson
- Brian Cox as Chief Hatfield
- Richard T. Jones as Seth Samuel
- Roma Maffia as Dr. Ruocco
- Jeremy Piven as Henry Castillo
- Gina Ravera as Naomi Cross
