Blog  +  Bio  +  Music  +  Films & TV  +  Writing  +  Web Design  +  Art  +  Computers  +  Audio/Video  
 
         
 

  The Missing (2003)


 

Father found, daughter disappears.

Review: A widow (Cate Blanchett) and her two daughters rough it on a ranch in 19th-century New Mexico. Blanchett's estranged father (Tommy Lee Jones) re-enters the picture and tries to make amends with the family. When the older daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) is kidnapped by slave traders, Blanchett, Jones and the younger daughter (Jenna Boyd) set out to rescue her.

The Missing is interesting, but it drags in parts as the story progresses slowly. The strength of the film lies in its strong performances by Blanchett and Jones. But foremost is the breakthrough performance by the young & feisty Jenna Boyd, who was only 10 years old when the film was released.

The production values are high, as is to be expected from a Ron Howard film, and it certainly is watchable, but it lacks that certain something to make it a special experience.

 


Learn more: IMDb

DVD version viewed: I viewed the Fullscreen Special Edition (Columbia, UPC 043396040052), but if you're going to watch it, get The Missing (Widescreen Special Edition) (Columbia, UPC 043396025431).