24: Redemption

In previous seasons, _24_ has had two-hour premieres (and even four hours, split between Sunday and Monday). Well, IMHO this is the two-hour premiere episode for the new season. Granted, it is not absolutely essential that you watch "24: Redemption" in order to appreciate the 24-episode Season 7 -- but if you're reading this you're almost certainly a fan of the series, and if you're a fan you almost certainly can't get enough of _24_.What has Jack Bauer been doing since the end of Season 6? You'll find out when you watch "Redemption". And if you happen to be reading this after already beginning to watch Season 7, you can still watch this TV-movie and gain an insight or two into what world events led up to the season's start.The writing, directing, acting and all other important factors are typical _24_ quality, as you might expect. The two-hour format (less commercial time in the televised version, but there is also an extended version) gives the creative types a little extra freedom to flesh out the story. Personally I was a bit disappointed that this was not the big-screen "24 movie" I was hoping we'd get, but I suppose that still could happen someday.If you are a fan of _24_, either you have already seen "24: Redemption" or you want to see it. And if buy the box-sets of each season (you do, don't you?), then you absolutely have to add this to your collection. Get it. You won't regret it.

If you're lukewarm about 24 or a casual fan, you may or may not enjoy this. If you're a diehard 24 fan, this is a must have for your collection.The DVD features are absolutely worth it. You get both the broadcast version and an extended edition, plus commentary with Kiefer, the director and the screenwriter. There's a boatload of extras on top of that.There was plenty of cheese and action flick camp, but at its heart this is a sincere look into the kind of psychological impact and moral ambiguity that men like Jack Bauer have to deal with as a result of their chosen profession. Is it exaggerated for dramatic effect? Of course. But make no mistake that there really are men in this world who make the kind of choices these guys make, and suffer for fulfilling their duty.As a prequel, this is a fantastic set-up to Season 7. Overall I felt this was a beautiful insight into Jack's character, something the show normally doesn't have time to do. It was also a heart-wrenching look at the reality of child soldiers. The DVD includes a special about that topic and talks about ways you can help.If you love 24, buy this DVD. You won't regret it at all.

All the classic 24 action and adventure wrapped in a lush backgound and tied up nicely in under two hours.Opens with a telling intro to child soldiers in Africa that is shocking, sad and honest.Story is primarily shot in Africa as the crew decided that was the best place to get the look and feel.From the very first scene as we scan across a city, I said to myself I'm convinced this is Africa even before knowing it was shot there.The primary focus here is on Jack's relationship with and old friend and some African student's at his friends school that are eventually targeted as recruits for a coup army. Very good interaction and the story develops in real time.The secondary plot is the background leading into season 7, including the induction of the first female president and some information on who is supplying the money to the coup in Africa.Typical gun play and explosions and the only one getting tortured is our buddy, Bauer.Couldn't ask for anything more.There is also a very touching extra on the issue of child soldiers worldwide provided by experts with letters read by some of the cast of 24. Some of the kids stories are truly remarkable.

4 Stars - Acting, Location, etc. were all outstanding. I just couldn't rate it as a 5 due to the story line being a bit predictable, even a little slow for an 'action' movie. Left a lot of the story unfinished (I guess that's how the show was started??) I don't know, never saw the show - I may watch it, as this wasn't too bad - besides, I'd like to find out about what the President will do when she finds out the truth, and what her son will do when he finds out about what happened to his friend?But, the ending was so predictable, the guy serving the subpoena was a real scumbag, you knew where that was going to have to end up for Kiefer!

We have watched this whole series and are hard to get ahold of these days. As expected it was action packed and wish it could go on for years to come.

This movie is a must for any fan of 24. Once again, the morals, honor and character of Jack Bauer are.... who he IS, staged in a fictitious country in Africa, no resources from CTU, no Chloe even, he's on the run. Do men like "Jack Bauer" really exist? I believe so. But when you DO have a family, kids, bills and a mortgage, you either follow the ROE'S of your govornment, or be tried for murder, etc. for making calls and executing them in the field (READ "Lone Survivor") Jack Bauer is plagued by his own demons, BUT.. would he give his life for a brother? A friend...a child? That's who he IS, and I believe fans would like to believe they would do the same, vicariously as it may be. There are soldiers and others who have, unsung and unrecognized except by thier creator. Fictional yet real scenario, good movie and a needed bridge between seasons, watch this movie!