I have to admit, before viewing "Trapped," I just assumed it would be like any other action movie advertised - one of those clichd, testosterone-filled, badly written, horrendously acted staples of American culture. "Trapped" proved to be different. The film, directed by Luis Mandoki ("Angel Eyes"), is based on "24 hours," a novel by Greg Iles. In the film, a threesome of ignominious kidnappers, Cheryl (Courtney Love), Joe (Kevin Bacon) and Marv (Pruitt Taylor Vince of "Nurse Betty") devise the "perfect kidnapping." After four successful kidnappings and a short hiatus, the trio decide to strike once again, this time targeting a prominent anesthesiologist, William Jennings (Stuart Townsend of "Queen of the Damned"), his wife, Karen (Charlize Theron) and their daughter, Abby (Dakota Fanning of "I Am Sam.")

Not soon after Will leaves for a medical conference in Seattle, Joe and his accomplices go to work. Abby is abducted and taken to a cabin deep in the woods, where Marv, Joe's cousin, looks after her. Joe stays with Karen to explain the rules of the abduction, assuring her that nothing will happen to her daughter if she follows the rules. He informs her that Abby's life is in her hands. As long as she cooperates and he is able to make calls to Marv every 30 minutes, she will be returned at the end of 24 hours unharmed.

Meanwhile, Joe's wife Cheryl eagerly awaits Will in Seattle, to inform him of the disparaging news and what his role will be in saving his little girl's life. The plan involves Karen wiring the hefty sum of $250,000 to Will. Then, he will hand Cheryl the money, and she will report back to Joe. Afterwards, Abby will be released within eyesight of her mother. The plan is being executed without a hitch, but Joe fails to notice one crucial detail about the young girl: Abby has severe asthma. Karen informs Joe that any sudden excitement, physical strain or even exposure to dust particles could turn fatal if the girl does not receive her medication on time.

"Trapped" was a very entertaining movie. I found myself completely captivated by the film, seeing the actors on screen not as characters but as actual people. Theron plays a very convincing mother, with whom the audience is all too willing to sympathize.

Bacon also does his part in stirring up some strong emotions in audience members. Perhaps it's just me, but every time his character came on screen, I wished the worst for him.

This film does not lack suspense. I often found myself holding on tightly to the arm of the chair, or my neighbor ... whichever was closer. A couple of scenes were especially intense. Once such scene was when Joe tells Karen that she has to sleep with him, and do whatever he says, if she wants to see her daughter alive again. You feel not only the fear and worry that Karen is experiencing for her family, but also the anxiety and distress of a woman who is on the verge of being raped. I won't give much away about this scene; what makes the movie so suspenseful is that the viewer is not let in on all the secrets too soon.

As the movie continues, more information is divulged, and it becomes clear what these criminals have in mind and why they have menaced the lives of innocent families.

Mixed with edge-of-your-seat thrills and heart-wrenching family moments, "Trapped" is well worth the nine dollar admission price. Although it is not an Oscar caliber film, it does its job of keeping the viewer attentive and entertained. After watching the film, I believe that anyone who sees it will leave with feelings of excitement, and perhaps apprehension, but most definitely satisfaction.