Notebook Reviews: THE NEGOTIATOR

F. Gary Gray – 1998.

The Negotiator is an enjoyable suspense film with a very strong cast. This tense thriller is top-lined by Samuel L. Jackson and  Kevin Spacey, while J.T. Walsh, Ron Rifkin, David Morse and John Spencer fill out the supporting roster. 

Jackson is very good (if a touch OTT), while Spacey is excellent (if a touch under-used). F. Gary Gray directs with an impressive assuredness which helps cover up some of the film’s far-fetched plot points. 

The Negotiator is a handsomely staged thriller which will entertain – even if it is a bit too long with a 2-hour and 20-minute running time.