This pretty solid suspensor breaks no new ground, nor are the characters especially compelling . Alex Cross, the cop with an insight on psychos, is a good lead character and Morgan Freeman does make almost everything he does compelling. Freeman is a comforting presence at the center of Along Came a Spider.
It’s pretty tough to make a movie much better than the script. Director Lee Tamahori makes Along Came a Spider look terrific and the pacing is very good. The script does telegraph whatever surprises may be in store for viewers, but it doesn’t sink the film, just makes is list a little. It goes into areas that make me somewhat uncomfortable, but I can deal with those aspects of the film.
Do you mind not looking over my shoulder! ©Paramount
Everybody plays off Freeman. Angry parents accuse him, but he's calm. An FBI agent is resentful, but he wins him over. Another agent feels inadequate and Freeman soothes her. An actor like Freeman makes everyone look better. Monica Potter looks great as FBI Agent Jezzie Flannagan and Michael Wincott makes an excellent villain.
The omnipresent composer Jerry Goldsmith makes the most of his notes in Along Came a Spider. His scores never seems to come up short in helping a film to move effectively, to provide chills and suspense at the right moments, and, happily, they maintain an individual integrity.
It’s an outstanding DVD transfer too. No edginess whatsoever and the picture has ample pop in every scene. Image resolution is very fine resolving small details impeccably. Black level and shadow balance are wonderful. Everything the director wants you to see is clearly revealed. Color is dead on accurate and fully saturated. Great, solid reds and natural Fleshtones are hallmarks of the transfer. I liked the sound track balance. It’s not an overly aggressive Dolby Digital 5:1 mix and the music is perfect balance with the action. An extra fifteen minute featurette travels the pretty standard route.