That should have been enough to get me to see it, but I never really heard anything about it once it came out, and the urge to see it slowly faded away. However, this one is truly a little gem, and I recommend it to all.

Why? First of all, there is excellent acting by (for?) the main characters. How could you not like Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey together in the same movie? They share their screen time well, and each steals the show when they are on their own.

However, these two are not backed up very well. There is, at times, blatantly crappy acting by the supporting cast...especially the red-headed, easily manipulated secretary and that annoying spineless, balding guy.

But this movie is not about the supporting cast. It is about "The Negotiator," as its title informs us. And what is really great is that the moniker of "The Negotiator" fits both Danny Roman (Jackson) AND Chris Sabian (Spacey). The story is woven perfectly around these two, developing their characters nicely while capitalizing on their differences. It is a great story, packed with mystery, suspense, and entertainment. Furthermore, the movie gives us just the right amount of action.

And once again, I must reiterate my love for those movies in which it is one man against the world, refusing to back down, even though it might be the easier path. And Samuel L. Jackson is perfect at defiance.

Spacey, for his part, is perfect as a stranger who refuses to be corrupted and/or pushed over.

But the real gift of this movie is the following question: When you can't trust your friends, whom do you trust? The answer: a complete stranger.

Go see this movie!