When, in a weary moment, Danny says “you can’t beat the system,” Samuel L. Jackson underlines the underpinnings that still distinguish "The Negotiator" and that there could have been no more perfect project for Jackson’s leap into leading-man status.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 13, 2023

A big, dumb, lumbering cop thriller that works through a very familiar, very basic formula, very, very slowly indeed.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 28, 2020

It's not perfect, but it's enjoyable enough to be one of those movies I might stop channel surfing to watch on late-night television.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 27, 2011

This highly incredible story lives and dies on its leading performances, so it's a damn good thing someone hired Jackson and Spacey to go toe to toe. [Blu-ray]

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Feb 17, 2010

...may lack a certain degree of common sense but makes up for it with plenty of excitement and suspense.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Nov 10, 2009

What makes this talk-heavy actioner work is the intriguing battle of wits between two formidable, intelligent opponents.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 2, 2009

A boring script filmed by a fine director and great actors is still a boring script.

| Original Score: C- | Aug 25, 2008

Teaming for the first time Kevin Spacey and Samuel Jackson, arguably the two best actors of their generation, in perfectly fitting roles is a shrewd move and the best element of this fact-inspired but overwrought thriller

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Sep 11, 2006

A hybrid action-drama featuring the choreographed pyrotechnics of director Gray and a battle of words between contrasting hostage negotiators Jackson and Spacey.

| Jan 26, 2006

| Original Score: B | Apr 9, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 14, 2005

Jackson and Spacey, et al, demonstrate that even the most pedestrian script can be elevated by good acting.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Jan 29, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Jul 9, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | May 20, 2003

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 25, 2003

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Feb 8, 2003

I'm glad Warner Bros. has gone back to making movies instead of theme park rides.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 8, 2002

Though it adds nothing new to the genre, The Negotiator is a showcase for its actors and, as such, is a rare breed these days.

| Sep 9, 2002

An entertaining, if familiar, action/thriller.

| Jun 5, 2002

Mais um bom filme de ao - e s.

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 31, 2002