The cops' first break in the case occurs when a Good Samaritan named Costa (Ethan Hawke) almost stops the killer before he gets away. Although Costa is an initial suspect, Illeana has seventeen reasons that would make Sherlock Holmes proud about why it absolutely and positively couldn't be Costa. The prime suspect is a shadowy figure played by PHONE BOOTH's shooter, Kiefer Sutherland. But maybe it's one of the cops, or perhaps it'll be a character who comes out of left field. If you don't easily figure out the killer's identity, you're not watching nearly enough detective fiction.

Every now and then the dialog gets nicely snappy, as when Costa remarks to the police, "Have you ever been fishing? Well, the bait always dies." Most of the time, however, the lines are such standard fare as, "Nice guys never get the girl." Jolie, who plays her character with all of the warmth and emotion of a slab of stone, does pant well in her one obligatory sex scene.

One thing is certain, if the police in Montreal are this inconsistent and lackadaisical, you might want bring your own bodyguards if you visit there. They don't like to call for back up, and, when guarding a victim targeted by a psychopath, they think hanging out in the street, while the target is alone in the apartment upstairs, is sufficient coverage. And one guard is plenty.

The ending is literally laughably bad on several levels. It also has a horrendous moment in it, which is certain to make audiences squeamish and angry. Most of all, TAKING LIVES is just frustrating. Well shot and containing many entertaining moments, it is consistently undermined by its careless script and by Jolie's emotional detachment from the material.

TAKING LIVES runs 1:50. It is rated R for "strong violence including disturbing images, language and some sexuality" and would be acceptable for older teenagers.