Most thrillers released in August and September turn out to be some of the worst films of the entire year, lacking in both story and entertainment value. Every now and again, a film will come along that proves those norms wrong. "Cellular" is one of those films, a fast paced, very realistic thriller with impressive performances and a tightly wound story. This actually turned out to be one of the best thrillers of the entire year, along with the ingenious "Taking Lives".

      Kim Basinger stars as Jessica Martin, a typical mother and wife who also happens to be a high school science teacher. One day, five men bust into her house, murder her housekeeper, and take her with them. Their leader is a man named Greer (Jason Statham), a cop who is after Basinger's husband to retrieve a video he shot of Greer and some cop friends beating and then murdering two drug dealers. Basinger, frightened for her life, assembles a broken telephone and keeps dialing numbers until she finally reaches a twenty something named Ryan (Chris Evans). He eventually believes she really is kidnapped and tries to enlist Detective Mooney (William H. Macy) to assist him, though he is sidetracked.

      The remainder of the film is a roller coaster ride, one development after another. The whole side story involving Macy retiring to open a day spa is hilarious, especially when his Captain, Noah Emmerich, continually calls it a 'beauty parlor'. Macy brings a real humanity to his character and doesn't treat the material like 'just another thriller'. Basinger is as vulnerable as ever and has never looked better. Watch the general displeasure in her eyes when she slices one of her captors with a piece of glass, killing him -- it is just as painful for her. And, Chris Evans once again shows us he can act, this so better than ever before. This film could really send his young career on the upslide, and it probably will.

      Movies like "Cellular" are a treat to watch and make going to the movies more exciting than ever, especially in a time when we are not seeing such quality films hit theatres. I was highly surprised by this film and think you will be also. Very enjoyable indeed.