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18 out of 25 people found the following review useful: Jack is back...But with a twist?, 23 November 2008 Author: SoloHero5 from Canada
Of course 24 fans around the world were devastated with the writers strike and in turn the postponed "day 7" of 24, but instead of us fans having to endure another month of suspense and agony waiting on the arrival of the seventh season of 24, we were given a 24 (made for T.V.) movie known as 24 Redemption and yes Jack is back, but with some minute differences.Some critics might say the fight scenes were "poorly" choreographed, the special effects might not have been special enough, or there just wasn't enough action. We need to remember the season finally of day 6 and how Jack literally now has nothing. The writers are clearly emphasizing on Jacks personal rehabilitation and personal change in other words even though we thought impossible they are in fact adding more drama to start us off which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The writers decided to aim at a different target and in a different location, but by God the hit the bull's eye.Violence and surprises are defiantly a factor in the near "24" future and us fans can't wait...Also (I won't spoil it just in case you don't know, but you should already know) some of Jacks old friends are back, one important one in particular.I hope this has been useful for you.
11 out of 12 people found the following review useful: A 102-Minute Rendering of Material Inherently Designed for Hours and Hours of Television Over Months, 11 December 2008 Author: jzappa from United States
If Rodney Dangerfield were alive, hardened and seasoned as a government agent, he would be Jack Bauer. Jack don't get no respect. Without spoiling the sixth season for those who have yet to watch it, our world-class hero Jack, always the odd one out, is now in a fictional African country, helping his old friend, played by the wonderful Robert Carlyle, with missionary work, trying to heal his staggering emotional wounds with peace. He has been served a subpoena to appear before the U.S. Senate concerning torture charges, but declines to go. A U.S. State Department official hints that the Embassy will cut funding for the school if Carlyle goes on protecting Jack, so Jack decides to leave. If that's not enough, he winds up stuck in the middle of a bloody military coup.Redemption is entertaining and well-acted, and it certainly primes us for the seventh season. Nonetheless I can see why it has been a very long process preparing the theatrical 24 film. Redemption maintains the real-time structural element, which the theatrical film reportedly will not have, but either way, 24 is a series that has transcended the conceivable scope of the feature motion picture. The character archs, gigantic sequence of unravelings and long-term investment in the characters is inherently designed for hours and hours of television. Redemption, on the other hand, is only an hour and forty minutes, which even still is twenty minutes longer than the version that was broadcast on TV not including commercials.Also, I am unsure of whether or not the creators wanted to have the opportunity to do a lone Jack Bauer piece, but using this TV film as objectivity, one can easily tell that one of the vital elements in the show's scaffolding is its colorful, deeply observed and brilliantly histrionic characters.However, I am looking forward to Cherry Jones being president and hopefully being rid of Powers Boothe's weak and uncompromising president. And I hope Jon Voight doesn't play essentially the same character as he did in Enemy of the State.
9 out of 13 people found the following review useful: Improves on day 6 and is a solid film for fans, 21 December 2008 Author: bob the moo from Birmingham, UK
It has been some time since we last saw Jack Bauer. The writer's strike saw him run out of tough things to say and a generally negative response to a weak season 6 has seen him leave America and travel the world. We join him in a non-existent African country where he is spending time with former brother in arms Carl, protecting children at the orphanage he has set up. It is not all helping and healing though as his past pursues him in the form of a subpoena from the US Government to face questioning on charges of prisoner abuse (damn these liberals). However, just as Jack packs up to leave the country and move on again, a coup begins and rebels come to snatch up the children to be soldiers. Meanwhile in the existing country of USA , the first female President is being sworn in while, in the background, figures are covertly supporting the coup for their own reasons.Everyone has been saying how long a wait it has been since day 6 finished, using words like "impatiently" etc but for me (as a viewer since hour 1) I felt that the break was a good thing. Day 6 was such a lacklustre season and played like an exaggerated pastiche of itself that the break does feel like an opportunity to send the makers away to sit in the corner and think about what they have done - and don't come back till you're sorry! With this bridging special I did worry that we would continue the trend of Jack being the hub of everything in the world, perhaps with the coup either being about him or with him preventing the entire thing - after all, the Bauer family are seemingly to blame for all evil deeds in the world. Fortunately the special harks back to the approach of season 1 and 2 which has dark deeds at a higher level and Jack thrown into them for reasons out of his hands, rather than being the creator and driver of all things.This takes the form of a simpler plot where Jack is looking after the fleeing children in their short run to safety. It starts slow though, with a good thirty minutes of establishing material and scene setting before any urgency kicks in. After this we have the usual 24 material of action sequences, heroic/sacrificial deaths, neo-conservative subtexts (although that suggests they are subtle, which they are not), political going-ons and shadowy men doing hits on behalf of powerful men. All these are in place and, with the stripped down plot and Bauer influence, it does feel a lot more like the 24 I like. This is not to say it is perfect of course, because 24 never was - even when really good there was always plenty to make fun of it for. Here we have less that produced laughter but we still get handed a terribly clumsy attack on the UN in the form of a weirdly "European" character who is cowardly - clinging to "talking" like a weak-wristed liberal. Not only was this poor writing but it is a bit rich when you consider the real life conflicts in Africa and the level of US intervention in them, however even ignoring that it was a typically conservative piece of politics from 24 that must be a bit like a wet dream to Fox viewers!Talking of real-life for a moment, I did find the setting and scenario of this special to be a little off-putting. The pace and "24-isms" of the film helped me keep my head in the world of fiction but there is no doubt that the world of child soldiers and African coups is a little too real to be purely entertainment and not have an edge of sorrow to it. The film mostly ignores the latter but it does manage to produce the former despite this, again by focusing on what the series does and just doing it. The cast are reasonable enough, all fitting into the classic clichés of the show. Sutherland is gruff and tough as ever and has a bit of chemistry with Carlyle, who doesn't have a lot to work with here other than hanging out with Sutherland for a bit. Bellows, Jones, Gunton, Feore and Voight all represent new faces in the usual characters. They do offer some hope though if Day 7 can keep the political mystery that this film had.24: Redemption isn't a significant change to the series and those that do not like the series will not like this. However for those who found Day 6 to be a massive disappointment then it does represent a sort of redemption as it appears to be taking a slight step back towards what hooked us originally. This means the usual weaknesses as much as the strengths but it is still a quite entertaining film for 24 fans.
3 out of 4 people found the following review useful: Between 3 and 5 p.m. in real time, 27 November 2008 Author: Galina from Virginia, USA
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
"24:Redemption", two-hours long TV movie that premiered last night, is a "bridge" connecting the last season that ended 18 months ago and the new one which we, the fans of the show have been waiting impatiently and which is scheduled to open in January 2009. The film takes place in real time format, just like all episodes do. After watching it, I am exited about upcoming season and I hope that 24 - Season 7 will be more like season 1 than season 6. Judging by the movie, "24: Redemption", there are many reasons for hope. The film is exiting, gripping, it uses every one of its minutes effectively, and it is much more plausible with its plot and Jack's relations and intentions. It was a good idea to take Jack out of LA and place him in one of hot places on the planet, Sangala, the fictional country in Africa, with very real problems that look too familiar. Jack is back, and he is in great shape, still invincible, resourceful, the man of action who would not lose ability to think clearly and to make the right decision even when being brutally tortured. I am truly sorry that we may not see Robert Carlyle again - the chemistry between him and Sutherland was very real, and their last scene together moved me like not many scenes during all seasons did. But who knows, nothing is what it seems when it comes to 24. Jon Voight's presence promises a creepy dangerous villain, and if the writers of the series keep up with what they did for the movie, we are in for thrilling, entertaining, unforgettable 24 hours from the life of one very special Federal Agent, Jack Bauer.
3 out of 4 people found the following review useful: Jack Bauer, welcome back!, 23 November 2008 Author: Darwinskid from United States
It's been a long time since Jack Bauer was seen on television and the same could be said for 24: Redemption's setting. For years now Jack Bauer has been staying in Africa assisting teacher Carl Benton as they tend to a group of abandoned children in a large house. Somewhere near by a group of rogues are taking children and turning them into little killing machines for their new nation, that is being funded by U.S. Department officer Frank Trammel and Jonas Hodges, if they meet Hodges demands. Trammel gives a disc filled with information about this to Nichols, who disobeys orders and takes the files to his house. Nervous, he seeks the aid of his best friend Roger Taylor, son of the new President Elect of the United States of America Allison Taylor. Back in Africa, the children play a game of soccer but are disrupted by the rogue soldiers, who kill two of them. They arrive at the house but Jack has made sure that the children are hidden safely. Jack makes his moves and gets their attention, they track him down quickly and take him o be tortured nearby so he can tell them about the location of the children. Carl soon finds Jack and assists, before he does assist Jack lies about the location of the children, and kills a few men before they kill him. Before Taylor is inaugurated into presidency she makes her first act to send the military to Africa to keep a hawk eye on it, find any of it's rogue soldiers, and rescue civilians. One Jack and Carl find out about this they try to get the children to the city but encounter a handful of the rogue soldiers on their way, can they make it to the military and get them and the children away? It's great to see 24 return to television. I've waited so long.It was also a nice treat to see Jon Voight( One of my favorite actors) make an appearance on Redemption, as well as the return of Colm Feore and Tony Todd. It was also great to see such an underrated actor like Robert Carlyle as Carl Benton, he did a great job.24: Redemption is full of emotions but not filled with the most plot twists like the previous seasons have had. But it doesn't hold back the believability aspects and retains it's dark side pretty well.Season 7 of 24 is looking to be a good one, I just cant wait till January of next year.Peace.
5 out of 8 people found the following review useful: Long Awaited but Definitely worth it, 24 November 2008 Author: barra-5 from Singapore
Here are my comments while trying hard not to reveal too much of the show. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and felt that it was well worth the wait. The change in location was great and it was well filmed, emotions were clearly conveyed -- you feel the despondency and desperation in Sangala, I especially felt this when the last chopper left and the people rushed through the gates. Pacing was good without any moments of over indulgence and with nicely choreographed action scenes. One goof that viewers can look out for is during the chopper attack on Bauer, Ben and the children. They ran for the tree line with the chopper in hot pursuit and firing at them, as they hit the ground for cover you can see a camera man filming and a photographer taking shots on the far left of the screen. This must either have been overlooked during the editing or perhaps they did not have a better take of the scene.The new President looks like a promising personality too (although I did not agree with the choice of the actor/image, especially the hair). I really liked David Palmer and I hope we will see another engaging President in Season 7. This is a great start and I definitely can't wait till Season 7 airs.
6 out of 10 people found the following review useful: A great TV movie of 24, 24 November 2008 Author: flyfishman from United States
Before the producers decide to give 24 fans and movie fans a full length motion picture movie of 24. They decided to test the strength of 24 with a two hour TV movie and to make up for not having the 7th season in 2008 and see if the writers could handle a 24 movie. To see if it would be worth it. I say the producers were smart to do this. I think the writers could handle a big screen version of 24.The writers did a great job on coming up with a plot line that is good for a TV movie of 24. A prequel that takes place after the 6th season and before the start of the 7th season. It's a great start to the season. Not too much action in the movie just enough to tell the story and keep you entertained. The way they came up Jack Bauer's played by (kiefer Sutherland) back story is a good one. It's not way out there like some back stories. As far as the rest plot of the story goes it is very interesting and keeps you guessing and wondering what's going happen next and wanting to see more. Unfortunately you have to watch the 7th season to find out the rest of the storyAlso the plot line for the TV movie and the 7th season. Some might be surprised by what the writers came up with for the season. Because the story itself (Although fictional) may be hard for some viewers to watch. I'll give a little hint the story begins in Africa. Jack is back and better then ever.The action, writing, the sets are great. It is a great TV movie.Totally worth watching.24 the TV show and TV movie is for adults. Not little kids.
8 out of 14 people found the following review useful: Jack is back! 24 Season 7 starts with a great prequel, 26 November 2008 Author: fred-kolb from USA
It has been almost 1.5 years since Jack Bauer was on TV, a very long time for a series that can make you addicted. The producers decided to make the wait a little more worthwhile and shot a prequel for the strongly anticipated 7th Season. Now, the film doesn't play in L.A. or involves the CTU, but plays in the fictional African country of Sangala, where children are trained to become soldiers, to overthrow the government.Since Season 6, 18 months have gone by and it is Inauguration Day in the United States, a historical moment as the first female President is about to be sworn in. But President Elect Taylor has to find out that a military coup is about to take place in Sangala and President Noah Daniels has decided to evacuate the US embassy there. Another plot line follows Taylor's son Roger, who is informed by his friend, about the dirty business his company is involved in. In fact, the company and its client Jonas Hodges (Jon Voight) provide the African general Benjamin Juma with weapons to become dictator of Sangala.Jack, who is wanted for torturing a suspect in the US, aids his old friend Carl Benton at his school in Sangala. Then he becomes involved in the coup, as Juma's soldiers arrive to pick up the kids and to train them as soldiers. Jack has to face another major crisis as he and Benton have to take the kids to the US embassy to be evacuated to the United States.It was great to see a change of scenery in 24, from L.A. to Africa. I was very happy to see Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer again, and even though I had hoped for a little more action, the plot is logical (something that has been lacking during Season 6) and very intense, really focusing on some of the characters. Robert Carlyle does an excellent job as Carl Benton and Jon Voight steals every scene he's in, even though he doesn't appear that often in Redemption.All in all, I'm really looking forward to Season 7 after the excellent prequel and am more more excited than ever to hear the clock again. Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick!
1 out of 1 people found the following review useful: Thumbs up to Kiefer Sutherland for giving us a brilliant performance., 10 March 2009 Author: Elizabeth from Chicago
The opening sequence caught my attention and it was a completely different production style for "24", which makes this different from all the other seasons.Jack Bauer has had many hectic days in his lifetime. Still Kiefer Sutherland manages to make you walk each scene with him.!**(SPOILERS)**! I loved the reveal in the beginning, when the boy stole his knife. In this short time I managed to care about Jack's friend and the children, which was why I loved this installment. Though I believed at first that his friend acted carelessly when he stepped on that land mine and it became obvious that they only placed him there to get rid of the army of men after Jack, but still, I felt Jack's loss. His expression when he realized that the blast he heard meant the end of his friend's life was beautifully played.I actually love these kinds of story lines. I loved the color differentiation from Africa to the US. When in Africa there was the orange color and in the US-blue, which separated each location.I loved this installment. The only thing I had a problem with was the short time used to warm up to some characters that died in the end and the boy that Jack refused to kill who kept repeating that one-liner from the opening scene; it was just too corny for me. Other than that I actually picture an interesting day. At some points I actually forget that all of these action sequences occur in one day. I am definitely looking forward for the next episode. This was actually a big risk for "24", taking on a different production style, set in South Africa, because at the end of the day it all comes down to whether or not the viewers would be able to adapt to this kind of plot line and I would say the writers pulled it off, I certainly enjoyed it.___________________________ Four out of Five stars ___________________________
3 out of 5 people found the following review useful: Jack's Back!, 25 November 2008 Author: Matt Ryan from United Kingdom
24:Redemption does exactly what it says on the tin! The last season of 24 wasn't too great but this 2 hour special definitely redeems itself! If you loved the first few seasons, you will love this! Without giving too much away, Jack is in hiding from the US government and as he learns that he is requested to report to the US embassy to face his punishment, he decides it's time to move on! But.....just as he is about to leave he gets caught up in a civil war! If you are expecting a beautifully directed and written masterpiece, then you will be disappointed but if you are looking for the non-stop, cheesy, far-fetched action that the first few seasons gave us, then you will LOVE this! Matt
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