Guest Author - Vannie

If you enjoy old movies you will probably like Derailed starring Jennifer Aniston, Clive Owen, Vincent Cassel, and hip-hop/rap artist RZA

While Derailed does not have the clever nuances of some of the old mystery movies, it is reminiscent of the old who-dun-it's, and will definitely hold your attention to the end. Charles Schine (Clive Owen) a married man facing many problems, including a young daughter who may be dying, prepares to pay for his train ticket, finds that he has no money in his wallet. Not-to-worry sexy Lucinda Harris rescues him by flirting and offering to pay his fare. He accepts. Maybe he sees it as simply a gesture of kindness or maybe he enjoyed the harmless flirting. What ever the reason the spark is there. The two exchange business cards and he agrees to repay her when they next meet on the train. They do meet again and quickly advance from lunch in a restaurant to an illicit liaison in a hotel room. They are interrupted by a mugger/robber who beats Charles to a bloody pulp and rapes Lucinda. Beaten and bloodied Charles cannot help her, instead he watches helplessly. When the intruder leaves, Charles tries to comfort Lucinda and wants to call the police, but Lucinda says no. She too is married. Charles goes home to tell his wife that he is late and bloodied because he was mugged as he left the office that night.

Later, when he finds himself being blackmailed by Philippe the mugger/robber, Charles inexplicably ends up relying on Winston (RZA) a guy who works in the mailroom and seems to be a casual office acquaintance. But Winston knows the underbelly of the city and agrees to help Charles get rid of blackmailing Philippe, for a fee. Unfortunately, it does not work out that way. What follows are a series of events that lead Charles into places and situations he never dreamed of. Meanwhile he and Lucinda stay in contact with each other, because that this point they have no one else to confide in. The movie has twists and turns that will surprise you. There have been some negative reviews but this movie is worth seeing. It is not great but it is good; and it is very interesting casting. I don't believe that we have ever seen Jennifer Aniston in this type of role.

When I saw Derailed, another movie dealing what could be called instant retribution came to mind. Remember 1987's smash hit Fatal Attraction with Glenn Close and Michael Douglas?

Rated R