Review of Along Came A Spider

Introduction

Along Came a Spider is based on the book of the same name by James Patterson, and features Morgan Freeman returning to the role of Dr Alex Cross. His previous outing in the role was in the adaption of another Patterson book Kiss the Girls.

This is another of those films that has polarised audiences, with most fans of the book trashing the film, and many other viewers falling into 2 categories - either praising it as a wonderful crime thriller or hating it with a passion.

Video

An excellent 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer, and I couldn`t spot a single thing wrong with it. You`d expect this for a film of such a tender age, but you don`t always get it!

Chris has already commented on the rather dodgy CGI in the opening sequence, and once again I must join him in condemning it, since it looks terribly fake. But then the whole opening sequence did seem rather surplus to requirements and it just seemed to be there to have a big stunt opening the film.

Audio

A DD5.1 soundtrack that does exactly what it says on the tin. It springs into life during the opening set piece, and then slumbers quietly in the background until called upon once more. Not one that you`ll be showing off to friends but good enough to do the job.

Another excellent Jerry Goldsmith soundtrack helps the film along its way too.

Features

Oh Paramount, when will you ever learn? Just a trailer and a brief "featurette" which is just an extended trailer mixed with PR fluff.

Conclusion

An enjoyable film but not one I`d be rushing to see again. The story moves along nicely, and there are some nice action sequences. It does borrow from other films along the way (fans of the Dirty Harry films will spot a familiar sequence), but there`s plenty enough to keep you entertained. Morgan Freeman puts in his usual good performance but the rest of the cast sometimes fail to follow his lead.

There are some annoying holes, particularly with most of the computer-related scenes. Why do people always choose obvious passwords? You might as well just leave a post-it note on the monitor with it written down (and I know plenty of people who do that!) And don`t get me started on the whole web-cam thing.

Yes I know it`s a film and we`re supposed to "suspend our disbelief" but studios employ so many advisors on film sets nowadays that it`s easy enough to get these things right.

Technically the disk is good, with excellent picture and sound, but it is badly let down by the usual Paramount lack of features. This one is really only worth a rental.