You might find it strange that someone would even consider doing a sequel to Kiss the Girls. I mean, that movie did moderate business but it was hardly a blockbuster. To top that off, the movie wasn't even that good. First off, Along Came a Spider is based on the book of the same name and it's actually a prequel to Kiss the Girls. Secondly, I'm happy to report that this new thriller is far better than the last.

Along Came a Spider features Morgan Freeman as Alex Cross, a brilliant detective/psychologist who seeks a bit of redemption following a botched sting operation (reminiscent of moments at the beginning of Cliffhanger). Monica Potter is a wide-eyed FBI agent who finds her career in turmoil after a U.S. Senator's daughter is kidnapped at a private school on her watch. Freeman is brought into the investigation and paired up with Potter, where he sort of becomes her mentor. Meanwhile, the kidnapper (convincingly played by Michael Wincott) has an agenda of his own. Hell bent on becoming a celebrity, this intellectual madman decides to turn his dastardly deed into a game.

Surprisingly, there are many interesting aspects to Along Came a Spider. Wincott is the most interesting of the cast, bringing an intelligence and creepy bravado to his character. Morgan Freeman is solid but not all that interesting. Director Lee Tamahori (Once Were Warriors) is more interested in profiling the villains and making sure the film moves at a taut pace.

I also give Along Came a Spider credit for having a smart child character. This particular Senator's daughter is no idiot. She uses her head in desperate situations. We're not really accustomed to seeing this sort of thing in thrillers. Usually, the kid is there to be the sad little victim (think Ransom). I also love some of the unexpected twists in this film. Now it could be argued that this film's big revelation is nothing more than a slap in the face, but I say when your dealing with a popcorn thriller, this sort of thing is okay. This isn't Seven. It never reaches that high. Along Came a Spider is just a nifty little thriller that wants to surprise the audience, and I must confess, I didn't see the ending coming.

Along Came a Spider is hardly a masterpiece. It is silly at times and quite illogical but it also has many smart moments. It also moves at a break neck speed which always helps with a thriller. If only the heroes were as interesting as the villains. Then we really would have had ourselves a great movie. As it stands, Along Came a Spider is good fun.