Kiss the Girls

Directed by Gary Fleder, Kiss the Girls follows homicide investigator Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) as he’s drawn into a case involving several missing women (including his own niece). Filmmaker Fleder, working from David Klass’ screenplay, delivers a mostly entertaining yet thoroughly by-the-numbers thriller that benefits from Freeman’s commanding turn as the compelling protagonist, and it’s clear, too, that the predominantly watchable vibe is perpetuated by the efforts of an exceedingly (and pleasantly) eclectic supporting cast that includes Ashley Judd, Cary Elwes, and Tony Goldwyn. There’s little doubt, however, that Kiss the Girls‘ emphasis on Cross’ investigation paves the way for a procedural-like midsection that is, to put a mildly, a little on the repetitive side, although Fleder admittedly does an effective job of peppering the proceedings with several overtly exciting, suspenseful sequences (including a gripping interlude detailing Judd’s character’s escape from her captor). By the time the surprisingly action-packed finale rolls around, Kiss the Girls has cemented its place as a decent-enough introduction to James Patterson’s iconic figure that possesses its share of memorable moments.

**1/2 out of ****