Review - The Numbers Station

On DVD and BLU RAY - "The Numbers Station"- (2013) - Although John Cusack's recent rash of DTV releases signal that the Actor has apparently fallen on the same hard times that the likes of Nic Cage and Cuba Gooding Jr. have, there's no good reason that his fans shouldn't check out this tale of a CIA black ops agent (Cusack) charged with protecting a code operator (Malin Akerman) at a remote numbers station.  Trapped inside the stronghold compound and with communication to the outside world disabled, the two must stave off an attempted break-in by some very bad guys who wish to exploit the cryptographer's talents.

Cusack's character is a conflicted sort, a governmental wet-worker found questioning his career choices and ultimately exiled into a shit job as a result of a moment of insubordination.  Akerman's numbers specialist is refreshingly natural and charismatic.  I would have been fine if another 10 minutes or so had been spent building their relationship, if only locked in everyday conversation. Apparently the filmmaker's didn't recognize the legitimate chemistry between the two Actors- failing to fully capitalize on that is this film's biggest drawback...

Although the action scenes are brief and the narrative may be missing that one dynamic scene to secure it's replay value, the film is confidently Directed, well-shot and features likeable performances from the two leads.  Logistically sound, briskly paced and with a relatively short run-time, this solid Drama/Thriller should make a very good rainy day rental for fans of it's two stars or those normally interested in the subject matter.

7.0 out of 10


Director: Kasper Barfoed
Starring: John Cusack, Malin Akerman, Liam Cunningham and Richard Brake
Running Time: 89 Minutes
MPAA Rating: Rated R for violence and language