“Murder on the 13th Floor” Movie Review

By Ruth on March 12, 2015 in movie, review

When Ariana Braxton finds out her husband is having an affair with the live-in nanny, she decides to seek revenge. One day, the nanny finds herself locked in the couple’s condominium with their young son but she soon discovers that they are not alone. A pair of killers hired by the cold-blooded and jealous wife lurk the halls looking to murder her.

Content advisory: Let me say from the outset that this is a violent film, and it is not for the faint of heart. While there is nothing any more disturbing than what one might see in any other modern action or suspense film, I always want to warn my readers at the outset about potential issues. There is some minimally graphic violence, and there is some profanity. This is not necessarily a family friendly film.

Ariana Braxton (Jordan Ladd) and Jordan Braxton (Sean Patrick Thomas) with son Cody Braxton (Terrell Ransom, Jr.)

The premise of this film is quite intriguing. This interracial family has a fully automated/computerized apartment. The couple’s son is always testing the boundaries of the system and even playing complex games with it. His parents always seem too preoccupied to give him the attention that he needs, but that is why they have hired a nanny.

Nanny Nia Palmer (Tessa Thompson) with Jordan and Cody Braxton

As you can imagine, this creates a definite problem. Cody seems to bond more with his nanny, and evidently, so does his father.

As the cold and calculating Ariana who discovers that her husband is having an affair with her son’s nanny, I thought Jordan Ladd suited the part quite well. I have not seen her in anything else, and some reviewers seemed to think that she was not very believable in this role. I, on the other hand, think she was a perfect fit. The role is supposed to be restrained, cold, and detached from reality. In this sense, I found her fairly credible. She’s not supposed to be likable nor sweet. In fact, I think that the idea that she comes off as being “wooden” and “disconnected” fits with her character.

As the poor husband who is cheating and caught in the middle, Sean plays Jordan in such a way that even though the character is unfaithful, I felt compassion for him. Married to such a woman as Jordan, I could understand and almost excuse his gravitation towards and relationship with their nanny. Again, I have not seen Sean in anything else, but he acts effortlessly and with true heart in this film. And I think he’s pretty good-looking as well. I’ll have to watch out for him because it would be a treat to see him in other roles and works.

As Nia, Tessa is absolutely impeccable. I know that many will be familiar with one of her more recent works (Selma), but I have not seen this nor anything else she has done. However, it makes perfect sense why she was cast in such a dramatic, paramount role. She almost steals the limelight from everyone else, but since the main plot revolves around her and the boy, this is fully logical. She brings such an innocence to her character that I found myself feeling sympathy towards her situation. As she displayed true feeling of warmth, vibrancy, and femininity, it was evident that her character loved and cared for Cody incredibly more than his mother ever could or would. Additionally, she was accustomed to working with her cantankerous boss (Ariana), and she always attempted to make peace no matter the circumstances. Ultimately, the strength of her character made Jordan’s character appear weak and impotent.

As Cody, Terrell was an absolute fit. Again, I had not seen him in anything else, but there is no doubt in my mind that this boy has an extensive career ahead of him. In fact, according to his resume, he has worked steadily, and it’s no surprise why. Terrell doesn’t act–he “becomes” the character, and that is a skill that is not often learned; it’s innate.

Now to my entire reason that I made the decision to view this film in the first place. Before this film, I only knew Brennan Elliott from his work with Hallmark and another couple of films I had seen. I have always maintained that he is versatile and could play any role. Up to this point, I had only seen him in romantic leads, dramatic films, and as the somewhat shifty businessman of Cedar Cove. Until this, I had never seen him in any kind of nefarious role.

He plays Viktor, one of the two hit men hired by Ariana, the jealous wife. I have to say that upon his entrance, I knew it was him, but he looked so different. Indeed the facial hair helped alter his appearance as well as the dark clothes. And he completely immersed himself in the role. In fact, it was his character and his partner who really “freaked” me out when I watched this film. There was a part of me that nearly turned it off in terror, but I was glad that I kept an open mind. In doing so, I had the rare privilege of witnessing just how effortlessly he portrayed such a horrific character. I realize he has done other “scary” roles, but this was my first foray into his “darker” roles. And I must admit that although I cheered when justice was served on this criminal, there is no doubt that he was convincing. Actually the fact that I cheered demonstrates just how impressive his performance is.

Although this is far from my favorite of Brennan’s films, I have to say it revealed the amazing range of his acting. So many actors can easily play a romantic lead or a nice person, but it takes someone with a little something special to be able to play a character that is the thing of nightmares (and Viktor certainly is). In fact, even as I write this, I still have one scene forever embedded in my mind–when his character just scoffs as another character is beaten to death. That is the scene I doubt I’ll ever shake from my mind because it truly unnerved me. However, even though his character was vile and repulsive, I can still say that his talent and charisma showed through. While I will not seek out his movies where he portrays this kind of character, I have to say that it at least proves he is as versatile as I always claimed he was (Oh I always like it when I’m proven right–especially when it concerns favorite actors).

If you are interested in checking out this movie, please visit the links below:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2125558/

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RuthView all posts by Ruth

“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

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17 Comments

Monika August 10, 2015 Reply

Where can I watch this movie online for free
- Author
  
  Ruth August 11, 2015 Reply
  
  I do not know I wish I did Monika.
vickie couturier March 27, 2015 Reply

this would be a movie my grown daughter would like,too intense for me
Natalie Nichols March 26, 2015 Reply

I like thrillers, so this seems like a movie I could sit through.
denise low March 21, 2015 Reply

I would love to read this one. I love a good suspense. Thank you for the review
laura rubenstein March 20, 2015 Reply

This sounds like a great movie. I will have to check it out.
Shakeia Rieux March 20, 2015 Reply

This look like a good movie.I will have to check it out!
Jesse S March 20, 2015 Reply

Thank you for sharing with us. This looks like a great flic!
Sandra Watts March 20, 2015 Reply

This sounds like a good movie. I am quite surprised I have not seen it yet. These are the genre I enjoy.
Sandra Watts recently posted…March 2015 Totally Awesome $750 Amazon GC #Giveaway {Ends 3/31/15}
Rhonda Scott March 20, 2015 Reply

I enjoyed your review. I watched the movie and enjoyed it.
Ally Swanson March 19, 2015 Reply

This movie sounds like something I would like. I will totally have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation and the very detailed review!
Ally Swanson recently posted…Heart of Design by Ellen Butler – Book Review
Vicki March 19, 2015 Reply

I don’t think I’ve ever heard about this movie, but it sounds good and I definitely want to watch it. The picture of the boy hiding and holding a bat is so sad.
Vicki recently posted…It Girl 4 Life by Tamara Branch
rebeccabasset March 18, 2015 Reply

Sounds like an interesting Movie, I will have to watch it!

Thanks for the Post and the Review!
Marti Tabora March 17, 2015 Reply

This is definitely something I would watch, I love a good thriller and this one sounds really great.
Trish F March 15, 2015 Reply

Thanks for the extensive review. I am not familiar with any of these actors. I’m not sure I would seek this movie out only because of its scare factor. Not big on that. The ones that are more unbelievable like marauding aliens I can take but the ones that could be a true story scare the heck out of me.
Shayler Coultes March 14, 2015 Reply

I watched this movie it was good not whst u thknk was going to happen happened. It throws u a curve ball. I recommend watching it