[net.movies] "Without a Trace" - non spoiler

jpk (02/18/83)

I saw this movie last weekend.  I would give it about 3 and 1/2 stars.  Very
suspenseful, well acted, good theme.  A tad slow in one spot in the middle.
A full two hour movie.  Worth a see.

dyer (02/19/83)

De gustibus...  I saw "Without a Trace" and was extremely disappointed.
It had a lot of things going for it: two very good actors (Kate Nelligan,
Judd Hirsch) and an important theme, but it never really got off the ground.

In terms of plot, character development, and denouement, this movie was
strictly-from-TV.  After the kid disappears, nothing happens.  We are
treated to Kate Nelligan smiling, snarling, crying and suffering.  All
this wouldn't be so bad if you really cared about the characters, but
you don't.  It's a very standoffish movie.  My friend turned to me during
the movie and said, "You know, I feel completely removed from what's
happening up there."  I felt the same way.

It's a must miss.