As far as real life serial killer movies go, this one about Alaskan killer Robert Hansen has a good cast and a fascinating story. Unfortunately this one wasn't that well directed or written. Camera work wasn't good. Too much was in the dark or night with jerky closeup shots of people. Better when there were panoramic shots of Alaska. Too much time was spent on victim who got away Cindy Paulson's (Hudgens) angst. Having her run away from safety so many times got annoying. Seemed fake and contrived for dramatic effect and spoiled the believability of the movie. Her escape from Hansen was fragmented and muddled. The story should have been told in a more sequential manner for full impact. The flashbacks weren't differentiated well from the present so it felt confusing in an unnecessary way.
Despite the weakness in screenplay and directing, the story of the killer is fascinating because it is so bizarre especially the hunting of his victims. Hudgens acts well in a torrid dramatic role - something none of her high school musical castmates have achieved to date. But making her run away so often makes her irritating and her character does not evoke sympathy. John Cusack is cast against type as killer Hansen. Somehow he doesn't seem that sinister - too clean cut. Could have looked a bit more evil. Nicholas Cage acts well as the dedicated person who catches Hansen.
There are other movies about other famous serial killers that are made in a more straightforward and therefore effective manner. "To Catch a Killer" with Brian Dennehy about John Gacy was much scarier. Even the cheaper TV movies about Bundy have more impact.
A bit of a waste but still worth a watch for the subject matter.
Despite the weakness in screenplay and directing, the story of the killer is fascinating because it is so bizarre especially the hunting of his victims. Hudgens acts well in a torrid dramatic role - something none of her high school musical castmates have achieved to date. But making her run away so often makes her irritating and her character does not evoke sympathy. John Cusack is cast against type as killer Hansen. Somehow he doesn't seem that sinister - too clean cut. Could have looked a bit more evil. Nicholas Cage acts well as the dedicated person who catches Hansen.
There are other movies about other famous serial killers that are made in a more straightforward and therefore effective manner. "To Catch a Killer" with Brian Dennehy about John Gacy was much scarier. Even the cheaper TV movies about Bundy have more impact.
A bit of a waste but still worth a watch for the subject matter.