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Cast: LeVar Burton, James Van Der Beek, Jessica Burleson, Sara Canning
Anne Sluti was kidnapped from a mall parking lot by career criminal Tony Zappa, brutally beaten, bound, and moved across three states before a dramatic standoff at a secluded cabin ended Zappa's horrific crime spree. Anne's ability to manipulate her captor and secretly leave clues of their whereabouts led to her safe release, and ultimately, her survival.
There is something about a movie based on true events that seems to attract everyone's attention and this one certainly had mine before sitting down to watch it. A made-for TV flick, it tells the story of a young girl taken by a crazed man and her how she manipulates him until she can find the right time to get away. The story shows us the events from both people involved as well as the investigation going on about her disappearance. The film does manage to build up some suspense but it feels too long even with its 89 minute run time. I suppose a story like this could of been given some added entertainment value to spice the story up a little so it doesn't drag but instead it only feels like a Television movie and nothing more. Now do not get me wrong here the story itself is interesting enough and even inspiring but I just felt if the direction had been better that this could of been something really special. Sara Canning and James Van Der Beek were very good in the lead roles and it was nice to see LeVar Burton again, he is very good as the Police officer and friend of the family who becomes a key part of finally freeing Anne from her captor. The production values are what you would expect from a TV movie which are pretty good but in the end I felt the movie itself could of been better. Still for what it is this was an entertaining flick that should please those that like the Lifetime Channel and their films. I am sure many out there will find this to be an enjoyable flick so anyone that likes the genre should pick this up and take a look for yourself, it is an interesting film with good performances. Released by Echo Bridge Home Entertainment. ** 1/2 Out Of *****