Libs wrote:
One of the worst movies I've ever seen theatrically.
You're crazy.
It's really underrated. I
wish I would have seen it theatrically
. I haven't seen it in ages but do want to revisit it again sometime soon. It was really well-made and hypnotic. I loved the atmosphere and style. The majority of critics didn't like it but there were a few that did. I agree with those few.
[Gaghan] successfully illustrates that if a filmmaker is capable and intelligent -- and assumes that his audience is the same -- he can transcend the limitations of even so lowly a genre.
- Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
In the end, the film is less the cheap thriller you'd expect than it is a fairly revealing study of its two main characters - damaged-goods people whose orbits will inevitably and dangerously collide.
- Nick Rogers, State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL)
For what I suppose must be classified as a 'teen thriller,' this film has a surprising amount of substance.
- John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
Easily the most manipulative thriller since Brian De Palma retired to a career of spectacular irrelevance. That's why it's so effective - and fiendishly satisfying.
- Jonathan R. Perry, Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas)
Once I realized that Abandon was going down a different path, I really started to admire it.
- Mike McGranaghan, Aisle Seat
A psychological thriller that doesn't thrill much and whose ending we can guess halfway through; but if you're a lover of smart dialogue and intelligent characters, you won't be disappointed.
- Erik Lundegaard, Seattle Times
What begins as yet another school-set thriller gradually evolves into something more psychologically layered.
- Josh Larsen, Sun Publications (Chicago, IL) Richard Roeper also liked it, and Ebert gave it a decent 2.5/4 and thought Holmes was great in it.
I gave it a strong
B but could see it going up slightly if I watch it again.
