Kiss the Girls has its problems, but it isn't a bad film by all means. Actually it is decent, compelling viewing. Starting with its problems, the script does have a tendency to become mechanical, and while the film's story starts off very well and really intriguing, it loses steam at the end for two reasons. The film's logic and credibility does go out of the window as the film's conclusion looms nearer, and then the culprit I felt got revealed too early. On the other hand, the film is very atmospherically shot, the cinematography is really very good, and the music is suspenseful. Plus we have great performances from the ever reliable Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd, as well as from Cary Elwes and some skillful direction. Overall, it is a compelling and intriguing thriller that ran out of steam too early, but there is much to enjoy. 7/10 Bethany Cox

The best thing you can say about this predictable thriller is that it passes the time amiably enough, thanks to some fast pacing. Otherwise, it's nothing we haven't seen before, with Morgan Freeman doing his usual detective shtick (see 2001's ALONG CAME A SPIDER for more of this); a post-SEVEN world populated by dark, shadowy sets and a disturbed killer at the centre of the crimes. Although Freeman's investigation is kept interesting and there are some nice, original clues and twists to go along with, it's all very light and fluffy slick stuff which doesn't get the viewer involved. The editing is occasionally poor and the script confusing, not giving us enough time to register what characters are saying before dashing on in a mad panic to the next scene.

The killer in the movie wears a Michael Myers-style mask, which makes for a few spooky scenes, and his weird cultured voice is also pretty effective. However, towards the end, the movie just becomes very predictable and the revelation that the killer is a policeman is far too obvious. After SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and SEVEN you would expect the film to be graphic but it isn't really, apart from a cool shooting at the finale. Morgan Freeman is as good as ever as the gruff detective but he isn't given much emoting to do; Ashley Judd is also pretty convincing as the kickboxing doctor who becomes a victim before regaining her strength and fighting back against the killer.

The film does make good use of some nice photography, especially in some woodland chase sequences which are nightmarish to watch. Otherwise, it's just an interchangeable film which is easily forgotten, offering up a killer who is neither scary enough or original enough in his crimes to be that threatening, and concentrates on scenes of action rather than gradual plot development as it should. Worth a watch for genre fans or if you catch it on television, otherwise give it a miss. Not scary!

There is a serial killer on the loose kidnapping girls in the Research Triangle in North Carolina. He holds them captive and kills them later calling himself Cassanova. Washington D.C. cop and forensic psychologist Dr. Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) is told that his niece Naomi has been missing for 3 days. She's been studying in North Carolina and he goes down to get into the investigation. Det. Nick Ruskin (Cary Elwes) and Davey Sikes (Alex McArthur) are working the case. Jay O. Sanders is FBI Agent Kyle Craig. Brian Cox is Chief Hatfield. Dr. Kate McTiernan (Ashley Judd) is the latest victim and she escapes with her kickboxing.

It's not particularly special. It's a standard serial killer movie. Morgan Freeman plays a cop with brains which is well within his range. While it doesn't break any new grounds, it's a fine police procedural. Ashley Judd is a good plucky victim. This is definitely not as good as the great 'The Silence of the Lambs'. It needs a super villain like Hannibal Lecter.