Review: In 'Rogue Hostage' the only person held captive is the viewer

Courtesy of Vertical Entertainment

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Trying to put into words how awful “Rogue Hostage” is proves to be a daunting task, but I think its deployment as a “Redbox Exclusive” tells you everything you need to know about this snooze fest. Shot on what is clearly a poorly constructed knock-off Wal-Mart set, Tyrese Gibson plays Kyle, a social worker/formal marine caught in the middle of a storefront siege by a squad of recycled baddies pissed off at their local congressman Sam Nelson (John Malkovich appearing lost and confused) who conveniently owns the store too.

Kyle is the formidable hero trying to save hostages inside the store while SWAT waits outside for a signal. The goons in charge are coercing Sam to confess a crime, but the prime motivator is a clunky, not entirely relevant message director Jon Keeys - along with screenwriter, Mickey Soils, prey audiences don't inquire upon because “Rogue Hostage” is a cheaply made veil that doesn’t hold any ground let alone believable stakes with plausible solutions.

Trying to keep together all the characters and their relationships - Kyle is Sam’s stepson and a foster child he help raised, Mikki (Holly Taylor) works at the store but stays shacked up inside a panic vault with her boss Sunshine (Luna Lauren Velez) WHO also tutored the goon-in-charge (played with a laughable glee by Chris Backus) - keeps with the films primary theme of shooting first and asking questions later. The only rogue hostage being taken here is the poor soul who accidentally assumes this movie can

be a fun Saturday night diversion.

Grade: D

ROGUE HOSTAGE is now playing in select theaters and is available on demand.