Tbf I don't really have much to say other then it was a good watch it keeps u invested from start to finish and the acting from everyone all round was really good. It was also a nice change of pace Jason statham playing a villain instead of the hero and he played that role really well.
419 Reviews
Excellent action and suspense movie with cellular starring and great cast
ma-cortes23 November 2004
The movie centers the abduction of Kim Basinger and her son carried out by Jason Statham and others . She speaks by telephone with Chris Evans' cellular and he tries to free her. Chris is helped by a good police, played by William H. Macy , and his girlfriend , Jessica Biel.
In the movie there are car pursuits , thriller , surprises , emotions and it is enough amusing . From start to finish the noisy action pace is unstopped. The confrontation between the starring and the nasties is stimulating and stunning . The races of cars in the motorway are breathtaking and overwhelming and there are a little bit of humor concerning to a cocky driver. The picture obtained a great success at the box office all around the world , it's a real blockbuster. Kim Basinger interpretation is top-notch , she is beautiful in spite of being fifty years old . Chris Evans is nice , he has a good future . Chris Evans did his own car stunts. Before production began, he was trained for five weeks at a Los Angeles stunt school. Most of the stunts are done by the actors themselves, too . The support cast is riveting : Jason Statham makes an fascinating villain and William H. Macy interprets magnificently an agreeable pólice .
The motion picture was well directed by David R. Ellis, a good craftsman who started as stuntsman and director assistant . He has made nice and suspenseful thrillers such as Final destination , Asylum , Snakes on the plane and Jaws 3D . The yarn will appeal action-packed and suspense fans. Rating : 7/10 .Well catching.
In the movie there are car pursuits , thriller , surprises , emotions and it is enough amusing . From start to finish the noisy action pace is unstopped. The confrontation between the starring and the nasties is stimulating and stunning . The races of cars in the motorway are breathtaking and overwhelming and there are a little bit of humor concerning to a cocky driver. The picture obtained a great success at the box office all around the world , it's a real blockbuster. Kim Basinger interpretation is top-notch , she is beautiful in spite of being fifty years old . Chris Evans is nice , he has a good future . Chris Evans did his own car stunts. Before production began, he was trained for five weeks at a Los Angeles stunt school. Most of the stunts are done by the actors themselves, too . The support cast is riveting : Jason Statham makes an fascinating villain and William H. Macy interprets magnificently an agreeable pólice .
The motion picture was well directed by David R. Ellis, a good craftsman who started as stuntsman and director assistant . He has made nice and suspenseful thrillers such as Final destination , Asylum , Snakes on the plane and Jaws 3D . The yarn will appeal action-packed and suspense fans. Rating : 7/10 .Well catching.
"Cellular" Division
Placemat19 January 2005
"Cellular" has the setup for a solid straight-ahead thriller: A kidnap victim who does not know where she is being held phones a total stranger who must then stay connected on his cell phone to find her before she is killed. Joel Schumacher scored earlier with a similarly phone-themed Larry Cohen story, "Phone Booth." As executed by tone-deaf director David R. Ellis, however, "Cellular" becomes an unintentionally hilarious cousin to Brian de Palma's "Raising Cain" and "Snake Eyes."
Ellis seems to have unwittingly spliced together two different films with mismatched tones: Kim Basinger as the kidnapee and Jason Statham as the kidnapper occupy the deadly-serious, straight-to-video thriller half, while Chris Evans as the rescuer and William H. Macy as a police officer seem to be in a "Saturday Night Live"-alum action comedy. Nowhere else is the disjointedness in tone more apparent than when Basinger and Evans's performances are placed side-by-side during their conversations: The scenes keep cutting between an overwrought Basinger wringing out every drop of melodrama, while a blissfully inept Evans seems to be channeling a cross between Chris Kattan/Jimmy Fallon and Ben Affleck/Keanu Reeves.
Meanwhile, Ellis pulls out tricks intended to generate thrills and surprises. He throws in out-of-nowhere "shocks," a la "Final Destination"; he throws in flashbacks; he throws in a gun-blazing Macy in Jerry Bruckheimer action-hero slo-mo; and yet, Ellis has no handle on staging any of them competently. Case in point: "Cellular" is the proud owner of one of the most ineptly scored chase sequences ever, as if Ellis simply heard a snippet of the song's lyrics ("...where you gonna run to?") literally and paid no attention to the inappropriateness of the accompanying music (which just bop, bop, bops along). (The song is even reprised during the closing credits, which itself is misbegotten in conception.)
And yet, for all of its failures as art, "Cellular" is always entertaining for those very same faults.
Ellis seems to have unwittingly spliced together two different films with mismatched tones: Kim Basinger as the kidnapee and Jason Statham as the kidnapper occupy the deadly-serious, straight-to-video thriller half, while Chris Evans as the rescuer and William H. Macy as a police officer seem to be in a "Saturday Night Live"-alum action comedy. Nowhere else is the disjointedness in tone more apparent than when Basinger and Evans's performances are placed side-by-side during their conversations: The scenes keep cutting between an overwrought Basinger wringing out every drop of melodrama, while a blissfully inept Evans seems to be channeling a cross between Chris Kattan/Jimmy Fallon and Ben Affleck/Keanu Reeves.
Meanwhile, Ellis pulls out tricks intended to generate thrills and surprises. He throws in out-of-nowhere "shocks," a la "Final Destination"; he throws in flashbacks; he throws in a gun-blazing Macy in Jerry Bruckheimer action-hero slo-mo; and yet, Ellis has no handle on staging any of them competently. Case in point: "Cellular" is the proud owner of one of the most ineptly scored chase sequences ever, as if Ellis simply heard a snippet of the song's lyrics ("...where you gonna run to?") literally and paid no attention to the inappropriateness of the accompanying music (which just bop, bop, bops along). (The song is even reprised during the closing credits, which itself is misbegotten in conception.)
And yet, for all of its failures as art, "Cellular" is always entertaining for those very same faults.
Very enjoyable
belleek7813 September 2004
My husband and I saw this movie last night, and were extremely pleased by it. The movie starts with a bang immediately and keeps going! We found it well written, well acted and well directed. It's suspenseful and quite thrilling. I thought the actor's characters were right on target - the self centered young man, the distraught and frantic mother, the tired cop waiting for a retirement he's not quite sure he wants, and the baddies - whooo boy! In this movie, the baddies are without any redeemable features - the kind that you yourself would like to beat the tar out of!! Speaking of beating the tar out of someone, wait until you get a dose of the lawyer - egads. The movie is fast paced with nary a dull moment. The action scenes were great, and the building of the tense moments was very well done. Drama, suspense and with a touch of comedy - what more are you looking for in a movie?
Although released back in 2004 - gives current movies a 'run for their money'
thereggie8 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As mentioned in my title, although this motion picture was made 17 years, from the the get go it 'pretty much'
keeps viewers engaged. Taking into account that the acting is a tad ordinary, I found overall the storyline & action scenes merit the rating I have given this production. You will find a young Jason Statham play a baddy for a change.
So if you are looking for a fast paced engrossing show, this one is for you!
So if you are looking for a fast paced engrossing show, this one is for you!
Straightforward good cop, bad cop movie plot supporting the central star of a cellular phone
ruby_fff13 September 2004
Director David Ellis' "Cellular" 2004, is rather entertaining in spite of the predictable storyline. Chris Morgan's debut screenplay is based on a story by Larry Cohen, who wrote "Phone Booth" 2002 (directed by Joel Schumacher with the literally outstanding performance by Colin Farrell).
Perhaps I went to see the movie without much expectation, hence being able to enjoy it fine as it is. If you expect substance, this movie is not it -- director Michael Mann's recent film "Collateral" 2004, with Tom Cruise, Jaimie Foxx and Jada Pinkett Smith, did optimize the cellular phone as part of a substantial plot progression. To be more esoteric, try the Iranian film by w-d Abbas Kiarostami (of "A Taste of Cherry" fame), "The Wind Will Carry Us" 2000, which also featured the cellular phone in a down to earth way. Also brings to mind is the Danish film by Dogma w-d Thomas Vintenberg "The Celebration" aka Festen 1998 (an emotional powerhouse surrounding the reunion of a dysfunctional family), and the PBS TV series "Reckless" 1997-98 with the irresistible ménage a trois of Robson Green, Francesca Annis and Michael Kitchen, the cellular phone was well featured as a plot 'crutch' in both.
It's a timely reflection, or reminder, of how cellular technology is consumingly inhabiting our lives, and here in this breeze of a movie, we have a life saver adventure -- a day in the life of Ryan (Chris Evans), to the rescue of a civilian family from the claws of relentless bad cops (well, nothing so complicated or devastatingly psycho-play as "Training Day," of course). This is a lightweight fare. Just enjoy it as it is. Kim Basinger and William H. Macy didn't have to exert much acting chops per se. Evans, and the video cellphones (yes, not just one, there's two needed to complete the plot turns), sure carried the movie, alright. One would forgive or welcome the convenient plot points that Basinger happens to be a teacher of science/biology handy with wires (harkens the beginning credit of production company name -- "Electric Entertainment," hm), and Macy's soon to retire good cop happens to follow his curiosity instinct, and thank goodness Evan's character turned out to be not so goofy but smarter and thinking by the minute.
It's relaxing entertainment, with no need of foul language involved -- straightforward ride, with adequate supporting roles including Jason Statham ("The Transporter" 2002 and "The Italian Job" 2003), and a seemingly unsuspecting role as the cop boss by Noah Emmerich (last seen in "Beyond Borders" 2003 opposite Clive Owen and Angelina Jolie).
Perhaps I went to see the movie without much expectation, hence being able to enjoy it fine as it is. If you expect substance, this movie is not it -- director Michael Mann's recent film "Collateral" 2004, with Tom Cruise, Jaimie Foxx and Jada Pinkett Smith, did optimize the cellular phone as part of a substantial plot progression. To be more esoteric, try the Iranian film by w-d Abbas Kiarostami (of "A Taste of Cherry" fame), "The Wind Will Carry Us" 2000, which also featured the cellular phone in a down to earth way. Also brings to mind is the Danish film by Dogma w-d Thomas Vintenberg "The Celebration" aka Festen 1998 (an emotional powerhouse surrounding the reunion of a dysfunctional family), and the PBS TV series "Reckless" 1997-98 with the irresistible ménage a trois of Robson Green, Francesca Annis and Michael Kitchen, the cellular phone was well featured as a plot 'crutch' in both.
It's a timely reflection, or reminder, of how cellular technology is consumingly inhabiting our lives, and here in this breeze of a movie, we have a life saver adventure -- a day in the life of Ryan (Chris Evans), to the rescue of a civilian family from the claws of relentless bad cops (well, nothing so complicated or devastatingly psycho-play as "Training Day," of course). This is a lightweight fare. Just enjoy it as it is. Kim Basinger and William H. Macy didn't have to exert much acting chops per se. Evans, and the video cellphones (yes, not just one, there's two needed to complete the plot turns), sure carried the movie, alright. One would forgive or welcome the convenient plot points that Basinger happens to be a teacher of science/biology handy with wires (harkens the beginning credit of production company name -- "Electric Entertainment," hm), and Macy's soon to retire good cop happens to follow his curiosity instinct, and thank goodness Evan's character turned out to be not so goofy but smarter and thinking by the minute.
It's relaxing entertainment, with no need of foul language involved -- straightforward ride, with adequate supporting roles including Jason Statham ("The Transporter" 2002 and "The Italian Job" 2003), and a seemingly unsuspecting role as the cop boss by Noah Emmerich (last seen in "Beyond Borders" 2003 opposite Clive Owen and Angelina Jolie).
interesting thriller with too many coincidences
SnoopyStyle9 August 2014
Jessica Martin (Kim Basinger) is kidnapped and locked in a house. Ethan (Jason Statham) comes in and smashes the phone but somehow it still has a dial tone. Jessica frantically work the wires and calls up unsuspecting Ryan (Chris Evans). He hands off the phone to weary Sgt. Bob Mooney (William H. Macy) but he's busy with a ruckus. The kidnappers are after her kid and Ryan is off on a rescue mission. Mooney follows up on the case but one of the kidnappers Dana Bayback is impersonating Jessica.
It's a pretty good thriller although it's very manufactured. It's a fun ride if you allow it to be. It reminds me of Speed except less fun and more ridiculous. The story relies on a lot of complicated coincidences. There are some interesting actors in this one. Basinger does good one-note acting. Chris Evans keeps the story from going off the rails. It's also interesting to see Jason Statham as a quiet intense bad guy.
It's a pretty good thriller although it's very manufactured. It's a fun ride if you allow it to be. It reminds me of Speed except less fun and more ridiculous. The story relies on a lot of complicated coincidences. There are some interesting actors in this one. Basinger does good one-note acting. Chris Evans keeps the story from going off the rails. It's also interesting to see Jason Statham as a quiet intense bad guy.
Good Action Thriller
gwnightscream9 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Kim Basinger, Chris Evans, Jason Statham and William H. Macy star in this 2004 action thriller. Basinger (Batman) plays Jessica, a woman who gets kidnapped/held hostage by a group of crooked cops. Evans (Captain America) plays young man, Ryan who gets called on his cell phone by her unintentionally and finds himself having a hell of a day desperately, trying to save her. Statham (The Transporter) plays Ethan, the head kidnapper and Macy plays cop, Mooney who eventually helps rescue Jessica. This is a good action thriller with tense and humorous moments featuring a decent cast and Statham is actually a pretty good bad guy.
An exhilarating thrill ride!
lquisp13 September 2004
Awesome flick! Kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The plot twists were surprisingly convincing and I didn't have to stretch too far to suspend disbelief. It way outshone my expectations and I found myself swept right up in the action. The acting was superb and the direction kept us moving from nail-biting suspense to laughing at the stereotyped ignorant store clerks, nasty lawyers and others that are encountered at various points in the script. What a great balance of believable and amusing! We had the greatest time enjoying this film. The parts that weren't so believable were very satisfying and the parts that were believable were incredibly suspenseful. The point is, the whole thing made for a terrific package. No, you won't go home a better person for having seen this. And you won't carry the images with you or ponder great philosophies because of it. It's not a To Kill a Mockingbird of Of Mice and Men, but it is a wonderful escape from all you problems for a couple hours and you'll feel like you've been on the most exhilarating thrill ride you could find in the park! All thumbs up for this one!
Unstoppable action
alesilvacastro13 June 2022
A woman and her family are kidnapped because of something her husband knows. She manages to call a random guy who is reluctant about believing her story at first. He gets himself in a lot of trouble while trying to help her.
It is almost as thrilling as an action movie can get. Lots of car chasing, gunfire and a bit of fighting. It kept the tension through the whole picture and accomplishes the job of entertaining if you are not in the mood of a contemplative movie.
It is almost as thrilling as an action movie can get. Lots of car chasing, gunfire and a bit of fighting. It kept the tension through the whole picture and accomplishes the job of entertaining if you are not in the mood of a contemplative movie.
An entertaining and intense movie from beginning to end
christian12320 January 2005
A kidnapped woman (Kim Basinger) frantically dials a random number on a broken telephone, reaching the cellular phone of a young man in a different state (Chris Evans) who begins a race against time to find and save her before the connection is lost or she is killed.
Cellular is a fast paced, exciting and entertaining movie. It is a simple film yet an interesting one. The plot isn't new or anything but the execution is pretty good. They manage to keep the audience glued to the screen and at the edge of their seats. Keep in mind though that the film is highly unrealistic. There are a few eye rolling moments and some of the scenes may be hard to buy. I didn't have any real problems with it but some other people may complain about it. The movie is also pretty predictable. It is easy to see where things are going and the inside man is also easy to figure out.
The acting is pretty good with the best being William H. Macy. He plays the cop role pretty well and he has a few funny lines. Chris Evans gives a decent performance and he is now forgiven for appearing in the Perfect Score. Kim Basinger gives an okay performance. Sometimes she was a little too weak while other times she was just average. Jessica Biel was in the movie for about 10 minutes so it's not really worth watching. Jason Statham gives a pretty convincing performance as the bad guy though sometimes he seemed a little bored. Noah Emmerich gives an awful performance as Jack. He was just reading his lines the entire time. One of the worst performances of 2004.
David R. Ellis does a good job at directing. He keeps the audience entertained and he never lets stupidity bring down the movie. If you do give the movie a shot, just ignore any plot holes. Cellular is a thriller/action movie and if you take it seriously then you will hate the movie. The film is advertised as a harmless thriller and it succeeds as one. In the end, Cellular is a "B" movie at heart and a pretty good one. It never takes itself too seriously and it never becomes dull. Rating 8/10
Cellular is a fast paced, exciting and entertaining movie. It is a simple film yet an interesting one. The plot isn't new or anything but the execution is pretty good. They manage to keep the audience glued to the screen and at the edge of their seats. Keep in mind though that the film is highly unrealistic. There are a few eye rolling moments and some of the scenes may be hard to buy. I didn't have any real problems with it but some other people may complain about it. The movie is also pretty predictable. It is easy to see where things are going and the inside man is also easy to figure out.
The acting is pretty good with the best being William H. Macy. He plays the cop role pretty well and he has a few funny lines. Chris Evans gives a decent performance and he is now forgiven for appearing in the Perfect Score. Kim Basinger gives an okay performance. Sometimes she was a little too weak while other times she was just average. Jessica Biel was in the movie for about 10 minutes so it's not really worth watching. Jason Statham gives a pretty convincing performance as the bad guy though sometimes he seemed a little bored. Noah Emmerich gives an awful performance as Jack. He was just reading his lines the entire time. One of the worst performances of 2004.
David R. Ellis does a good job at directing. He keeps the audience entertained and he never lets stupidity bring down the movie. If you do give the movie a shot, just ignore any plot holes. Cellular is a thriller/action movie and if you take it seriously then you will hate the movie. The film is advertised as a harmless thriller and it succeeds as one. In the end, Cellular is a "B" movie at heart and a pretty good one. It never takes itself too seriously and it never becomes dull. Rating 8/10
Very enjoyable
larousseminouche23 April 2017
I watched"Cellular" recently in 2015,and I was very satisfied. This film revolves around Jessica(Kim Basinger) she was kidnapped, and she dials a random number which is Ryan's number (Chris Evans) who being coward person , he avoids helping people too .Howeve Ryan will launch in an incredible race against time to save Jessica, as well as he has no idea about what await him.
The film was very amusing,exciting and entertaining. Besides i was well written,well acted and well directed. We as Moroccan people we can watch it with our parents, that's means that this movie does no include scenes which are inappropriate, so "Cellular" can be watched by all age categories.
Personally I think that this film transmit an important message to boys, especially to careless boys.
All in all, I really enjoyed watching this captivating film
The film was very amusing,exciting and entertaining. Besides i was well written,well acted and well directed. We as Moroccan people we can watch it with our parents, that's means that this movie does no include scenes which are inappropriate, so "Cellular" can be watched by all age categories.
Personally I think that this film transmit an important message to boys, especially to careless boys.
All in all, I really enjoyed watching this captivating film
Decent enough
joshwapp28 February 2022
Decent movie.
Willam H. Macey, as he often does, makes the movie that much better. It was fun watching him play a tough cop, which is usually not a role he would play, being typecast as the neurotic, bumbling sort of character. A simple, predictable plot that could've fit into an hour long t.v. Show, but then again, the movie is only an hour and a half.... Worth a look, anyway.
Willam H. Macey, as he often does, makes the movie that much better. It was fun watching him play a tough cop, which is usually not a role he would play, being typecast as the neurotic, bumbling sort of character. A simple, predictable plot that could've fit into an hour long t.v. Show, but then again, the movie is only an hour and a half.... Worth a look, anyway.
one of the worst films I've seen
paulsandberg24 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I had high hopes for this film, as it seems every critic was enamored with it. Boy, I sure can't for the life of me see why. Implausible from the get go, laughingly stilted dialog, you name it, this film has it. Why in the heck would Wm. Macy and Kim Bassinger submit to this trash? And yet some critics compare it favorably to Phone Booth - what are you guys smoking?
Just an example of the terrible writing - The kidnappers steal Kim's Porsche Cayanne and then all she can say to her cell buddy when attempting to thwart the kidnapping of her son is that her car is a "black SUV". Come on!!! She HAS to know that it's a Porsche for Chrissakes - not to mention that giving the license number may have helped. DUH!
And then when there's nobody home on the fourth floor of the PD - yeah, sure.
I finally had had enough when the slacker dude takes off after the Porsche in the tiny Security car - uh huh, like he could keep up with the Porsche or that the Security Car wouldn't look conspicuous and the kidnappers, realizing that they were being followed, would simply put pedal to the metal and say "see ya" - a premise that seems beyond the reasoning of our hero.
I'm all for action films, but you have to at least have some basis in reality, and this film truly lacks that basis. Maybe someone thought the whole idea was clever - 1001 ways to make use of a cell phone, but when there is absolutely no reality quotient.... well it just makes a bad film.
Anyone else wonder (1) how a school teacher would be home in the middle of the day (and able to then pick up her son after school) (2) how a school teacher who, by her own admission, doesn't have a lot of money, lives in a fancy house, has a maid, drives a 70,000 dollar car, and has her son enrolled in a private school. Totally laughable.
Just an example of the terrible writing - The kidnappers steal Kim's Porsche Cayanne and then all she can say to her cell buddy when attempting to thwart the kidnapping of her son is that her car is a "black SUV". Come on!!! She HAS to know that it's a Porsche for Chrissakes - not to mention that giving the license number may have helped. DUH!
And then when there's nobody home on the fourth floor of the PD - yeah, sure.
I finally had had enough when the slacker dude takes off after the Porsche in the tiny Security car - uh huh, like he could keep up with the Porsche or that the Security Car wouldn't look conspicuous and the kidnappers, realizing that they were being followed, would simply put pedal to the metal and say "see ya" - a premise that seems beyond the reasoning of our hero.
I'm all for action films, but you have to at least have some basis in reality, and this film truly lacks that basis. Maybe someone thought the whole idea was clever - 1001 ways to make use of a cell phone, but when there is absolutely no reality quotient.... well it just makes a bad film.
Anyone else wonder (1) how a school teacher would be home in the middle of the day (and able to then pick up her son after school) (2) how a school teacher who, by her own admission, doesn't have a lot of money, lives in a fancy house, has a maid, drives a 70,000 dollar car, and has her son enrolled in a private school. Totally laughable.
A thriller worth watching for its exhilaratingly fast pace, situational humor, and Chris Evans' star-making performance.
Li-122 January 2005
Rating: *** out of ****
Gimmicky thriller premises are a dime a dozen. Fox's 24 essentially expounds on that idea every episode without any rhythm or consistency. The real trick is executing the idea with the right panache and skill to weave it all into a fun thriller. So is David R. Ellis' Cellular worthy of Phone Booth acclaim, or is it just another Nick of Time? You just might be surprised to see it's every bit as enjoyable as the former, with only occasional hints at the pure cheese of the latter.
Young beach bum Ryan (Chris Evans) is having just another typical day of sun and fun at the beach, but his girlfriend (Jessica Biel) sees his behavior as lazy and irresponsible. To try and patch things up, he promises to run a few errands for her, but on the way, he receives a call on his cell phone from a stranger named Jessica Martin (Kim Basinger), a woman who claims she's been kidnapped and is being held in the attic of an unfamiliar house. Her call to Ryan was completely random, but the catch is, she has to stay on the line or the signal may be lost for good.
Though initially dubious of her outrageous claims, Ryan quickly comes to believe her after he overhears one of the kidnappers on the phone. Deciding to help out in any possible way he can, Ryan tries to locate her family before the kidnappers do. Unfortunately, obstacles to keeping the phone signal going present themselves at every turn, and Ryan finds he must go through some extreme measures to keep Jessica on the line.
It's these obstacles that make up at least half the fun of watching Cellular. Whether it's a dying battery, "typical" close call encounters with the villains, car chases that require driving backwards or on the wrong side of the road, director Ellis keeps the pace lightning fast by presenting every plausible hindrance there is to keeping a cell phone signal alive. That might not be as immediately catchy a premise as keeping a bus above 50 mph, but it's hard to care when the gimmick is delivered with this much fresh skill and energy. Ellis also directed the enjoyable Final Destination 2, proving he has what it takes to deliver straight-faced thrillers in spite of their naturally ridiculous premises.
But as terrific a job as Ellis does, it's the cast that keeps the momentum going even when the story starts to sag. As the everyman caught in this horrifying situation, Chris Evans is wholly convincing and immensely appealing as Ryan, playing out an otherwise simple role for all its worth. Most of the movie rests on his shoulders, so it's to no small amount of praise when I say that we eagerly want to follow him through every move of his day-long adventure. Kim Basinger is surprisingly just as good as the kidnapped woman, proving that much like her physical features, her acting skills are improving with age. The other major standout is Jason Statham as the head kidnapper; he's obviously affecting an American accent that's not all that believable, but he brings an intensity to the role that makes him fiercely menacing.
The plot boasts the expected coincidences and contrivances that are needed to fuel the story, and most of these are easy enough to accept, but there are admittedly a few nagging problems. While I could reasonably believe that the kidnappers wouldn't tie up Jessica and could also accept that she knows just enough about phones to fix one up well enough to make one call, I found it less easy to swallow that the kidnappers wouldn't at least keep a guard posted right outside or inside her room. No biggie, though.
The more bothersome bits involve a few unlikely coincidences that allow a cop (played by William H. Macy, who delivers another one of his requisite subtly funny performances) to conveniently piece together a number of the clues. Even more troublesome is the climax, which has the unfortunate task of resolving every introduced plot strand, and while the results are still highly entertaining, it comes across a bit messy (though ironically finishing things up on a nice and tidy final note).
Still, the story makes a lot of right choices when a lesser movie would have simply veered off course for good. A plot twist involving the villains' identities and their motives is smart and surprising. The movie also satisfyingly chooses to reveal its surprise villain halfway through rather than saving it for a silly last-minute unveiling.
The film also boasts a good sense of humor, a lot of it coming from Evans, who handles the comic moments with natural ease (no real surprise, he was also very funny in Not Another Teen Movie). His best moment comes in one scene where he's in a private school searching for Jessica's kid, flabbergasted over his name (which is particularly funny) and how identical every student looks in the same brand of clothing. The laughs don't defuse the tension, though, and it's with this fun mixture of suspense and occasional comic ingenuity that makes this a highly recommended thriller.
Gimmicky thriller premises are a dime a dozen. Fox's 24 essentially expounds on that idea every episode without any rhythm or consistency. The real trick is executing the idea with the right panache and skill to weave it all into a fun thriller. So is David R. Ellis' Cellular worthy of Phone Booth acclaim, or is it just another Nick of Time? You just might be surprised to see it's every bit as enjoyable as the former, with only occasional hints at the pure cheese of the latter.
Young beach bum Ryan (Chris Evans) is having just another typical day of sun and fun at the beach, but his girlfriend (Jessica Biel) sees his behavior as lazy and irresponsible. To try and patch things up, he promises to run a few errands for her, but on the way, he receives a call on his cell phone from a stranger named Jessica Martin (Kim Basinger), a woman who claims she's been kidnapped and is being held in the attic of an unfamiliar house. Her call to Ryan was completely random, but the catch is, she has to stay on the line or the signal may be lost for good.
Though initially dubious of her outrageous claims, Ryan quickly comes to believe her after he overhears one of the kidnappers on the phone. Deciding to help out in any possible way he can, Ryan tries to locate her family before the kidnappers do. Unfortunately, obstacles to keeping the phone signal going present themselves at every turn, and Ryan finds he must go through some extreme measures to keep Jessica on the line.
It's these obstacles that make up at least half the fun of watching Cellular. Whether it's a dying battery, "typical" close call encounters with the villains, car chases that require driving backwards or on the wrong side of the road, director Ellis keeps the pace lightning fast by presenting every plausible hindrance there is to keeping a cell phone signal alive. That might not be as immediately catchy a premise as keeping a bus above 50 mph, but it's hard to care when the gimmick is delivered with this much fresh skill and energy. Ellis also directed the enjoyable Final Destination 2, proving he has what it takes to deliver straight-faced thrillers in spite of their naturally ridiculous premises.
But as terrific a job as Ellis does, it's the cast that keeps the momentum going even when the story starts to sag. As the everyman caught in this horrifying situation, Chris Evans is wholly convincing and immensely appealing as Ryan, playing out an otherwise simple role for all its worth. Most of the movie rests on his shoulders, so it's to no small amount of praise when I say that we eagerly want to follow him through every move of his day-long adventure. Kim Basinger is surprisingly just as good as the kidnapped woman, proving that much like her physical features, her acting skills are improving with age. The other major standout is Jason Statham as the head kidnapper; he's obviously affecting an American accent that's not all that believable, but he brings an intensity to the role that makes him fiercely menacing.
The plot boasts the expected coincidences and contrivances that are needed to fuel the story, and most of these are easy enough to accept, but there are admittedly a few nagging problems. While I could reasonably believe that the kidnappers wouldn't tie up Jessica and could also accept that she knows just enough about phones to fix one up well enough to make one call, I found it less easy to swallow that the kidnappers wouldn't at least keep a guard posted right outside or inside her room. No biggie, though.
The more bothersome bits involve a few unlikely coincidences that allow a cop (played by William H. Macy, who delivers another one of his requisite subtly funny performances) to conveniently piece together a number of the clues. Even more troublesome is the climax, which has the unfortunate task of resolving every introduced plot strand, and while the results are still highly entertaining, it comes across a bit messy (though ironically finishing things up on a nice and tidy final note).
Still, the story makes a lot of right choices when a lesser movie would have simply veered off course for good. A plot twist involving the villains' identities and their motives is smart and surprising. The movie also satisfyingly chooses to reveal its surprise villain halfway through rather than saving it for a silly last-minute unveiling.
The film also boasts a good sense of humor, a lot of it coming from Evans, who handles the comic moments with natural ease (no real surprise, he was also very funny in Not Another Teen Movie). His best moment comes in one scene where he's in a private school searching for Jessica's kid, flabbergasted over his name (which is particularly funny) and how identical every student looks in the same brand of clothing. The laughs don't defuse the tension, though, and it's with this fun mixture of suspense and occasional comic ingenuity that makes this a highly recommended thriller.
This is a good thriller, although very artificial
wimeri19 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Jessica Martin (Kim Bacyinger) stolen and locked in the house. Itan (Jason Statham) comes and breaks the phone, but somehow he continues to respond to calls. Jessica convulsively moves the wires and calls anyone unsuspecting Ryan (Chris Evans). He transmits the tube to Tired Sergeant Bob Muni (William H. Macy), but he is busy in turmoil. The kidnappers are hunting for her child, and Ryan goes to the rescue operation. Muni is taken for business, but one of the kidnappers Dana Baibek gives himself to Jessica.
This is a good thriller, although very artificial. This is a cheerful trip if you let her be like. He reminds me of "speed", only less fun and more ridiculous. The plot is based on a multitude of complex coincidences. There are some interesting actors in the film. Basinger plays well on one note. Chris Evans does not give the plot to get off the rails. It is also interesting to see Jason Statham in the role of a quiet tense villain.
This is a good thriller, although very artificial. This is a cheerful trip if you let her be like. He reminds me of "speed", only less fun and more ridiculous. The plot is based on a multitude of complex coincidences. There are some interesting actors in the film. Basinger plays well on one note. Chris Evans does not give the plot to get off the rails. It is also interesting to see Jason Statham in the role of a quiet tense villain.
I LIKED THIS MOVIE
iohefy-221 October 2004
I went to see this movie expecting to see a take off of the movie of a couple of months ago PHONE BOOTH. I was pleasantly surprised as this movie kept you on the edge of your seat for most of the movie. It was good story and I enjoyed it very much.
Kim Basinger whom I have not seen on screen in quite a while was very convincing in her part. As always my favorite character actor William Macy was outstanding in his part. I would say if you want an entertaining evening at the movies go see this one, it is a winner.
Kim Basinger whom I have not seen on screen in quite a while was very convincing in her part. As always my favorite character actor William Macy was outstanding in his part. I would say if you want an entertaining evening at the movies go see this one, it is a winner.
No masterpiece but lots of fun!
preppy-319 September 2004
Jessica Martin (Kim Basinger) is kidnapped from her house. They lock her in a dark, dusty attic--it seems her husband did something and they need the information from her. All that's in the attic is a busted up phone. She frantically keeps connecting wires until she gets somebody's phone to ring. It's the cell phone of Ryan (Chris Evans) a 20 something guy. He agrees to help her get the kidnappers while keeping her on the line.
The plot sounds kind of lame but it actually works. The movie has tons of twists and turns and almost never stops moving. Basinger is (surprisingly) very good. William H. Macy has a few good moments too as a cop and Jason Statham is downright horrifying as one of the main bad guys. But this is Evans' movie all the way. He's very handsome and in great shape (he's introduced with his shirt off to show his great body--woof!). He is also a very good actor and is convincing throughout the film.
My only complaints are minor--the story DOES have its dead spots and the villains are TOO violent--Basinger is beaten up a LOT and it looks all too realistic. Still this is 99% better than most of the crap churned out by Hollywood. So far this is the best Hollywood thriller of 2004. Worth catching--especially for gorgeous Evans.
The plot sounds kind of lame but it actually works. The movie has tons of twists and turns and almost never stops moving. Basinger is (surprisingly) very good. William H. Macy has a few good moments too as a cop and Jason Statham is downright horrifying as one of the main bad guys. But this is Evans' movie all the way. He's very handsome and in great shape (he's introduced with his shirt off to show his great body--woof!). He is also a very good actor and is convincing throughout the film.
My only complaints are minor--the story DOES have its dead spots and the villains are TOO violent--Basinger is beaten up a LOT and it looks all too realistic. Still this is 99% better than most of the crap churned out by Hollywood. So far this is the best Hollywood thriller of 2004. Worth catching--especially for gorgeous Evans.
A Great Action Thriller
claudio_carvalho27 June 2005
After leaving his son in the school bus, the science teacher Jessica (Kim Bassiger) returns home and her maid is killed and she is kidnapped by a group of men. They lock her in the basement of an isolated house and she partially repairs a broken telephone, making a random contact with the incredulous young man Ryan (Chris Evans). Ryan and Jessica try to avoid that Jessica's son and husband be kidnapped by the criminals.
"Cellular" is a great action thriller. The screenplay balances thriller, action, crime and even humor in right doses, the plot points are excellent, being a great entertainment. I suggest the viewer to wait for the original presentation of the credits in the end of the movie. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Celular Um Grito de Socorro" ("Cellular A Cry for Help")
"Cellular" is a great action thriller. The screenplay balances thriller, action, crime and even humor in right doses, the plot points are excellent, being a great entertainment. I suggest the viewer to wait for the original presentation of the credits in the end of the movie. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Celular Um Grito de Socorro" ("Cellular A Cry for Help")
Keeps you on your toes
stepenwolfgr5 May 2006
I happened to catch this movie during a free-preview weekend on Starz. I had never heard of it, so I did not know what to expect. For the whole duration of the movie, about 90 min., I was at the edge of my seat. The plot takes several unexpected turns and is packed with continuous action, while the characters are very believable. O.k., fine, it does not deal with deep moral issues, if you want a movie that will make you want to go out and change the world this is not it. But if you want an entertaining movie that will give you a big dose of adrenaline, will have you raise yourself from your seat, I strongly recommend it. By the way, I am not a big fun of horror teenage movies like Scream, I just don't find them believable, and find the characters shallow. The best part about this movie is that you actually feel sympathy for the victims, the plot is probable, and the action scenes do not require that the actors possess superhuman strength. At the end of the movie the only thing I could think of was "holy cow", a response I usually associate with a great roller coaster ride.
"Call me, beep me if you wanna reach me..." sorry, wrong phone reference. Too bad...
Victor Field5 March 2005
Back in the days before TV movies became almost exclusively beholden to true-life sagas, they used to cover all manner of subjects, including good old-fashioned thrillers. Though made for the big screen, "Cellular" is something in that line - less interested in the Issues and more interested in hooking viewers for about an hour and a half. But unlike story-provider Larry Cohen's sort of companion piece "Phone Booth," it's not quite as riveting.
It's not the basic situation of Kim Basinger's life depending on her staying in touch with innocent bystander-listener Chris Evans (not that one); it's how it plays out. Whereas one of the strengths of "Phone Booth" was that it played out almost entirely in one location, here Evans - and thus the movie - roams all over the place, and it loses some of the white-knuckle tension as a result. Chris Morgan's screenplay also could have done with less absurd roadblocks to get in the way of the suspense rather than enhance it (how convenient is it that a riot should break out in the police station our hero goes to?) and a few less references to the Big Book Of Screen writing Clichés (ever noticed that movie cops on the verge of retirement always have to have something come up on the day they leave the force?). And as for having a character in a New Line movie carry a "Lord of the Rings" backpack...
For some time now UK moviegoers have had to put up with a series of cinema ads for Orange mobile phones, in which a variety of actors (Roy Scheider, Carrie Fisher, Alan Cumming, Patrick Swayze, Sean Astin, Spike Lee etc) pitch movies to the "Orange Film Funding Board," and invariably get told the movie has to have phones at the core of its plot. It's been suggested on one of the forums I visit that "Cellular" is the kind of movie the Board would make if it was real, but it's not quite as imbecilic - it holds the attention and benefits from its cast (Basinger, Evans, Jason Statham, and especially William H. Macy as the cop about to open a day spa), John Ottman's score, and an intentional sense of humour. But the only advantage this has over "Phone Booth" is that Jessica Biel is a lot sexier than Katie Holmes - and even there, the former Joey Potter gets more screen time and is more essential to the plot than the former Mary Camden. So...
Oh damn, I've run out of minutes.
It's not the basic situation of Kim Basinger's life depending on her staying in touch with innocent bystander-listener Chris Evans (not that one); it's how it plays out. Whereas one of the strengths of "Phone Booth" was that it played out almost entirely in one location, here Evans - and thus the movie - roams all over the place, and it loses some of the white-knuckle tension as a result. Chris Morgan's screenplay also could have done with less absurd roadblocks to get in the way of the suspense rather than enhance it (how convenient is it that a riot should break out in the police station our hero goes to?) and a few less references to the Big Book Of Screen writing Clichés (ever noticed that movie cops on the verge of retirement always have to have something come up on the day they leave the force?). And as for having a character in a New Line movie carry a "Lord of the Rings" backpack...
For some time now UK moviegoers have had to put up with a series of cinema ads for Orange mobile phones, in which a variety of actors (Roy Scheider, Carrie Fisher, Alan Cumming, Patrick Swayze, Sean Astin, Spike Lee etc) pitch movies to the "Orange Film Funding Board," and invariably get told the movie has to have phones at the core of its plot. It's been suggested on one of the forums I visit that "Cellular" is the kind of movie the Board would make if it was real, but it's not quite as imbecilic - it holds the attention and benefits from its cast (Basinger, Evans, Jason Statham, and especially William H. Macy as the cop about to open a day spa), John Ottman's score, and an intentional sense of humour. But the only advantage this has over "Phone Booth" is that Jessica Biel is a lot sexier than Katie Holmes - and even there, the former Joey Potter gets more screen time and is more essential to the plot than the former Mary Camden. So...
Oh damn, I've run out of minutes.
Insult to an average intelligence
casch010124 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Before buying my ticket, I first got into IMDb.com and read (as always) Ebert's and Berardinelli's reviews first. Then, lots of the others. About everyone said this movie was good and the liked it. The idea is good, but..come on!, the movie is preposterous. Near the end, just the two flying whirls in the air by William Macy shooting are enough to get you out of the theater!. A boy crying out loud "...that kid is being kidnapped..." and everyone goes after him and not the kidnappers in their car!. A biology teacher (Bassinger) who handles phone cables left after the phone was beaten up to crack by the bad guy(how about taking it *out* the room, you moron!) better than expert phone service technicians!. Everyone steals a car and other stuff in front of people and policemen and no one, no one does a single thing!. No one cares about plates in this movie, they are not being jotted down, nor searched at computers and databases, nothing. Main actor Chris Evans looks as a Ricky Nelson just arrived in 2004 with his time machine. In short, besides entertaining a little bit, this movie was an overall insult to my intelligence and probably to those of many others, too.
All lines are busy...
majikstl24 September 2004
I like a movie that takes an idea or a theme or just an amusing gimmick and then runs with it. There is something exhilarating about being able to exhaust the possibilities of an idea without beating the whole thing to death. A great example is GROUNDHOG DAY; just when you think the filmmakers have milked the idea for all it's worth, they take off on a totally new tangent and the film ends up getting better and better. It is a sign that the writer and/or the director are thrilled with the sheer joy of creative exploration. They aren't just playing by the numbers, but are eager to go beyond expectations. This is film-making as a challenging game.
CELLULAR, while not in the same league as GROUNDHOG DAY, is nonetheless a good example of this type of storytelling. This time the linchpin of the story is the cell phone. The filmmakers seem to have made a list of everything that makes cell phones great (emergency use, portability, digital photography, etc.) as well as what makes them a nuisance (ringing at inappropriate times, crossed connections, lost signals, dying batteries, etc.) and incorporated both lists into a story. The trick isn't just to gerryrig the list into a story, but to do so in a coherent and plausible fashion. CELLULAR is a crackerjack piece of storytelling. The storyline is unlikely, but not impossible and it all unfolds at a steady clip that makes any loophole or implausibility fly by so fast that the viewer has little time to raise a question.
Beyond the gimmickry of the storytelling, the film also benefits from being a solid, efficient, no-nonsense piece of film-making. Directed by actor-turned-stuntman-turned-director David R. Ellis, this is an action-packed thriller that knows the value of blending action with humor and character. Without loosing its manic pace, the film nevertheless takes time for puckish humor and character development. As the damsel in distress, the Hitchcockian innocent man sucked into a web of intrigue and the retiring cop facing his one last case, the actors could have been saddled with one-note, cliché characters. But Kim Basinger, Chris Evans and William H. Macy are given ample room to not only act, but to create characters who are, more importantly, smart. They aren't at the mercy of the complicated plot, they are what moves it along.
My one genuine reservation with CELLULAR is that it is destined to become dated so very fast. Technology, the film's driving force, will quickly be its undoing. It brings to mind old episodes of the "Columbo" TV series, where Peter Falk's Lt. Columbo is seen to be in awe of computers and answering machines and video cameras and VCRs, and he has to go into great detail explaining how such gadgets and gizmos work and how they can be used as part of a murder plot. The cutting edge technology of the time now seems so elementary that Columbo's naivete seems rather silly. Yet, the Columbo stories still hold up thanks to clever storytelling and strong characters played by good actors. And from that perspective, CELLULAR just might hold up to be a minor classic, albeit as a period piece.
CELLULAR, while not in the same league as GROUNDHOG DAY, is nonetheless a good example of this type of storytelling. This time the linchpin of the story is the cell phone. The filmmakers seem to have made a list of everything that makes cell phones great (emergency use, portability, digital photography, etc.) as well as what makes them a nuisance (ringing at inappropriate times, crossed connections, lost signals, dying batteries, etc.) and incorporated both lists into a story. The trick isn't just to gerryrig the list into a story, but to do so in a coherent and plausible fashion. CELLULAR is a crackerjack piece of storytelling. The storyline is unlikely, but not impossible and it all unfolds at a steady clip that makes any loophole or implausibility fly by so fast that the viewer has little time to raise a question.
Beyond the gimmickry of the storytelling, the film also benefits from being a solid, efficient, no-nonsense piece of film-making. Directed by actor-turned-stuntman-turned-director David R. Ellis, this is an action-packed thriller that knows the value of blending action with humor and character. Without loosing its manic pace, the film nevertheless takes time for puckish humor and character development. As the damsel in distress, the Hitchcockian innocent man sucked into a web of intrigue and the retiring cop facing his one last case, the actors could have been saddled with one-note, cliché characters. But Kim Basinger, Chris Evans and William H. Macy are given ample room to not only act, but to create characters who are, more importantly, smart. They aren't at the mercy of the complicated plot, they are what moves it along.
My one genuine reservation with CELLULAR is that it is destined to become dated so very fast. Technology, the film's driving force, will quickly be its undoing. It brings to mind old episodes of the "Columbo" TV series, where Peter Falk's Lt. Columbo is seen to be in awe of computers and answering machines and video cameras and VCRs, and he has to go into great detail explaining how such gadgets and gizmos work and how they can be used as part of a murder plot. The cutting edge technology of the time now seems so elementary that Columbo's naivete seems rather silly. Yet, the Columbo stories still hold up thanks to clever storytelling and strong characters played by good actors. And from that perspective, CELLULAR just might hold up to be a minor classic, albeit as a period piece.
Don't waste your time
brian53126 September 2020
A "ride" spoiled by the script
meghal15 September 2004
When I saw the trailers for "Cellular", I was under the hope of seeing another thriller, on the lines of "Speed". An unknown call, an abducted woman - the plot seemed to be interesting.
However, what had a potential to be an "edge-of-the-seat" thriller, instead, turns out to be a comical or farcical ride, full of glitches and coincidences. This movie is a "popcorn fare", targeted for teenage audiences.
Nowhere in the movie can you feel the stress of Kim Bassinger. The hero seems to be enjoying his ride rather than enduring the pain of performing his moral duty. William Macy is totally wasted in an insignificant role.
It is hard to imagine that a guy is riding a car in LA violating all the rules of traffic, and not a single police is present to follow or capture him. He enters the road in wrong direction, creates a huge pile-up, and escapes scot-free. Also, there are no other police stations in his entire journey. The only police station, he manages to enter, has police who are busy chasing other trouble makers.
Once the mystery is revealed, the only curiosity remaining is how the bad guys gets punished.
Kim Basinger does a "Hollywood Meenakumari or Nirupa Roy" - she has nothing to do in the movie except crying. William Macy is more busy in his wife's beauty salon than to chase the goons. The whole story is centred around the main young guy, who has nothing to offer as far as acting or action skills are concerned.
I watched movie on the first day, in accompaniment of teenagers. And they seem to be laughing their way into the movie, rather than sympathizing with the victims.
In nutshell - avoidable. Better watch "Speed" on TV for nth time
However, what had a potential to be an "edge-of-the-seat" thriller, instead, turns out to be a comical or farcical ride, full of glitches and coincidences. This movie is a "popcorn fare", targeted for teenage audiences.
Nowhere in the movie can you feel the stress of Kim Bassinger. The hero seems to be enjoying his ride rather than enduring the pain of performing his moral duty. William Macy is totally wasted in an insignificant role.
It is hard to imagine that a guy is riding a car in LA violating all the rules of traffic, and not a single police is present to follow or capture him. He enters the road in wrong direction, creates a huge pile-up, and escapes scot-free. Also, there are no other police stations in his entire journey. The only police station, he manages to enter, has police who are busy chasing other trouble makers.
Once the mystery is revealed, the only curiosity remaining is how the bad guys gets punished.
Kim Basinger does a "Hollywood Meenakumari or Nirupa Roy" - she has nothing to do in the movie except crying. William Macy is more busy in his wife's beauty salon than to chase the goons. The whole story is centred around the main young guy, who has nothing to offer as far as acting or action skills are concerned.
I watched movie on the first day, in accompaniment of teenagers. And they seem to be laughing their way into the movie, rather than sympathizing with the victims.
In nutshell - avoidable. Better watch "Speed" on TV for nth time
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