A single phone call can change a man's life?or possibly end it. Colin Farrell delivers a captivating, off-the-hook performance as Stu Shepard, a self-centered New York City publicist who suddenly finds himself on the deadl... more »y end of a high-powered rifle scope. Now it's a real-time race against the clock as Stu must outwit a psychotic sniper in a frantic scramble from phone booth to freedom. Directed by Joel Schumacher, this groundbreaking "tightly-made thriller" (Sidekick Magazine) co-stars Forest Whitaker, Katie Holmes, and Kiefer Sutherland as the crazed gunman calling the shots, literally.« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 2/26/2022...
On the edge of your seat suspense movie. I highly recommend.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jennifer D. (jennicat) from ST AUGUSTINE, FL Reviewed on 4/2/2014...
Twisty. Edge of your seat. Lots of swearing.
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Mark G. from BISHOP, TX Reviewed on 9/16/2010...
Although the plot has a few holes, this is a well-done piece. It is a bit unusual in film today in that the action is not overblown, and the tension of the film doesn't feel artificial, but as a natural progression of the story.
I have not been a big Colin Ferrell fan, mostly because the films I have seen with him are bloated; although he has done well enough, neither he nor his castmates generally have stood out. That is not the case here; he and Forest Whitaker both turn in fine jobs, Whitaker's role more understated, but Farrell absolutely nails his.
Good solid movie.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Kathy W. (klw414) from NEWNAN, GA Reviewed on 11/22/2009...
The movie plot was interesting, however, there is so much bad language that I couldn't watch it all the way through.
4 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Cheryl S. (thebat2O) from TRENTON, NJ Reviewed on 5/15/2008...
For a movie that sadly didn't do great at the box office, I think this is a riveting movie. Most of the action is in/near a phone booth and you'd think it was schlocky but it's not. Kiefer is great in his role and how much better can you get with Colin?
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Ann D. (wordyone) Reviewed on 2/14/2008...
A taut, edge of your seat thriller!
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Very suspenseful!
Brian Reaves | Anniston, AL USA | 04/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In what seems like the most unlikely premise of all, we are treated to one of the most suspenseful movies so far this year. Not many people could take a film that has 90% of it taking place in a phone booth and still make it good, but Schumaker pulls it off here. Colin Farrell really shines in this movie, and as the suspense mounts toward the film's resolution, you really feel sorry for him. The sense of hopelessness he's feeling becomes your own as you realize there's no easy way out of the situation. The only thing I have against this film is that it could have easily been made into a PG-13 film for a wider audience range with just the loss of profanity. The violence is not as full as Lord of the Rings, but every third word is profanity and that's what earned it the R rating. I understand that you're trying to show Farrell's character's mounting desperation, but it could have been toned down a bit. Still, Keifer Sutherland's calm and even-tempered tone of voice is just psychotic enough to make you cringe when your own phone rings. He's definitely on a roll with his series "24" and now this great movie."
Unusual Thriller
M. Babcock | Austin, TX USA | 09/03/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Phone Booth" is a tense, psychological drama with excellent performances by Colin Farrell, Forest Whitaker, and Kiefer Sutherland. If you're a Kiefer Sutherland fan, you don't see him until the very end of the movie, but you hear him throughout. The man can do amazing things with his voice. The premise is rather unusual, but the actors carry it off very well, and it does keep you on the edge of your seat."
Easily the best film of 2003, so far...
baronlover | LADYLAKE, FLORIDA United States | 04/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...Well, I guess that isn't saying too much. Phone Booth is a suspense genre movie that is actually suspenseful! In only 88 minutes, Phone Booth managed to get me to the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. Colin Farrel really displayed his ability to act. His character may not have been the perfect guy, but he still managed to make the viewer feel for him. With this movie, Kiefer Sutherland also managed to regain the top position as the scariest actor in Hollywood...with his voice alone! Joel Schumacher's directing was great. One might think having the whole movie take place in mostly a phone booth would be boring, but Joel managed to make the movie compelling and visually stimulating. The other actors were also great; although if you're a fan of Katie Holmes, she's in about two minutes of it. I would defintely recommend anyone to see, especially if the person has been hesitant about seeing thrillers due to the blatantly bad ones that have already come out, because Phone Booth delivers."
Not bad at all...Phone Booth is exciting and meaningful
George C Triumph | Tampa Bay | 07/29/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I do remember the previews of this film and I did not think it looked that great. I could not imagine that a movie that centered on a single location such as a guy trapped in a phone booth could create so many interesting plot points but I was wrong! This movie plays out kind of like the psychology of a revenge type guy who is snooping around people's dirty laundry. When he finds this one guy Stuart he really gets him to the wall. Stuart answers a random ringing phone at a phone booth one afternoon and suddenly he is blackmailed by a sniper! Really good acting but you cannot go wrong because a main police officer in this movie is played by Forest Whitaker. A good thriller that is worth of multiple viewings because of its simplicity and exciting scenes."