For a story about redemption and finding purpose, the faith-based drama "Captive" sure lacks passion and inspiration. In March 2005, Brian Nichols (David Oyelowo) escapes from the Fulton County courthouse in Atlanta, during his trial involving a rape case. In the process of the escape he murders several people, including the judge presiding over his trial, a court reporter and a DEA agent. Nichols then kidnaps a young woman, Ashley Smith (Kate Mara) at her apartment to use as a hostage. Smith gets through this time inspired by Rick Warren's inspirational book "The Purpose Driven Life" while Nichols searches for redemption. Directed by TV director Jerry Jameson and written by Brian Bird based on Smith's novel "Unlikely Angel," the uninvolving, flat "Captive" holds its audience captive with a slow, sluggish story that doesn't seem to gel. On the plus side, for a faith-based film, it has a strong cast, decent production values and a story that doesn't force its beliefs down your throat. On the downside is really everything else about the movie, which lacks power and a strong emotional core. Even with some admirable qualities, this is still the sort of thing that's better on the small screen such as Lifetime or USA; while some may appreciate that it's an "edgy Christian movie" it's really a second-rate secular drama with a few faith-based elements that aren't even mentioned until late in the film. "Captive" lacks purpose and revelation and doesn't really find its footing (and the Oprah clip over the credits is well, very awkward). Do yourself a favor and do the right thing, and skip the unsatisfying and uninspiring faith-based drama "Captive."
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