Mel Gibson’s Rogert Ebert-Praised ‘Ransom’ Streaming for Free on Tubi

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As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of film viewing under my belt, I must say that Mel Gibson has always been a wild card in Hollywood – a man who can both captivate audiences with his raw talent and leave them scratching their heads with his off-screen antics.

In 1996, I was part of Mel Gibson’s fanbase, and I can attest that it was an exceptional year for him. Among his notable works during that time was the action-packed thriller “Ransom,” which has experienced a remarkable revival on Tubi since its recent addition to the free streaming platform.

In this movie, Mel Gibson plays Tom Mullen, a rich airline magnate whose world is turned upside down when his child, Sean, gets abducted. Director Ron Howard provides an exhilarating, speedy chase against the clock that’s filled with unexpected turns and top-notch acting by Gibson, Rene Russo, and Gary Sinise. Even after nearly three decades, the film’s debut on Tubi highlights the enduring popularity of action films, whether they’re classic or contemporary, on streaming services, and it’s rare to find one that doesn’t make a splash on some Top 10 list somewhere.

Back in 1996, I found myself thoroughly captivated by the gripping drama that was “Ransom”. This movie not only made a splash at the box office with an impressive $309 million domestically, but it also secured the fifth spot among the year’s highest-grossing films. With a production budget of roughly $70 million, it’s clear that this film struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.

Roger Ebert Gave Mel Gibson a Solid Review

Movie critic Roger Ebert was recognized as one of the leading experts in film reviews, and it’s worth mentioning that he awarded the film “Ransom” three out of four stars. Labeling the movie as a “smarter-than-average” addition to the cat-and-mouse thriller genre, Ebert specifically commended Gibson for his “powerful central performance,” which effectively sustained the film during some of its less focused scenes.

Indeed, Ebert commends everyone involved in the movie’s production, from Howard masterfully building tension among large groups to Sinise playing a suitable antagonist. However, there are a few minor issues with unrealistic plot points and awkward dialogue. Yet, such flaws are common in action films and can be overlooked if the movie delivers on its promise of intense action sequences and dramatic clashes – which Ransom undeniably does.

Regardless of your personal views about Mel Gibson, as an actor, he was undeniably powerful when fully engaged. The movie “Ransom” emerged years after he had already established himself as a household name in blockbusters like “Lethal Weapon” and “Mad Max”. This role marked a significant leap in his career, leading to other successful films such as “Payback”, “The Patriot”, “What Women Want”, and “Signs”.

Following several controversies surrounding him, such as offensive remarks and allegations of abuse and intolerance, Mel Gibson’s career in Hollywood seemed to plummet for nearly a decade. However, against all odds, he has made an astonishing comeback. Whether behind the camera directing films like “Hacksaw Ridge,” or on screen for action movies such as “Bandit,” “Hot Seat,” “Boneyard,” and the “John Wick” series’ “The Continental,” Gibson remains one of Hollywood’s most intriguing mysteries. With additional projects in the pipeline, including a potentially contentious reprise of “The Passion of the Christ” and the Mark Wahlberg thriller “Flight Risk,” it appears that Mel Gibson is here to stay.

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2024-12-07 03:34