Kidnapped

Film The problem with Secuestro Express, is that despite some possible aims to present the underbelly of the Venezualan crime scene, it is far too generic, and tonally misjudged to be entirely convincing. The story of Carla and Martin, a young middle class couple being hijacked by a group of street hood and driven around Caracas by a group of street hoods until their father's pony up the ransom is infected with a Tarantino influence that detracts from the earthy digital video shooting and quick-shot editing. Unfortunately, every kidnap drama cliche is dripped out, from the kind captor to the escape and recapture. Too often in the moments when the criminals should be presenting a necessary menace, the screenplay injects humour, and just as the drama feels as though it should be escalating, the pacing dip, unbalancing any possible jeopardy. Director Jonathan Jakubowicz seems more certain in his presentation of the city, a sprawling mass of people and uncertain industry and in his treatment of actors; a pre-Alias Mia Maestro is especially good as the kidnapee. This is a film that promises far more than it delivers, lacking a depthfulness and thematic punch.