Untraceable

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At killwithme.com, a killer knocks off victims slowly or quickly, depending on how much traffic the site attracts. Since millions of Americans are tuning in, FBI cyber cop Jennifer (Diane Lane), her assistant (Colin Hanks) and a totally generic detective (Billy Burke) work to solve this case pronto.
 
Big questions: Can this contrived thriller actually make you anxious to sit down at the computer? And why do cyber-geniuses always use their power for evil?
 
Skip it: "Untraceable" assumes that the country is full of perverted, bloodthirsty sketchballs without actually wondering who these people are. As a result, the movie not only has no suspense or style but also lambastes a voyeuristic society it never tries to understand.
 
Catch it: If characters muttering, "Who the hell is this guy?" really get you curious about who this guy really is. Though you won't be happy when out of nowhere "Untraceable" reveals the killer's identity mid-movie!
 
Bottom line: This completely average flick is at least well-cast, since Lane doesn't believe in coasting and it's not far-fetched to imagine Hanks' comic-relief role going to Dane Cook (shudder). But "Untraceable" is less a whodunit than just a whocares, with a perp whose only grand statement is that he can find a way to torture people even though his budget can't accommodate "Saw"-style contraptions.
 
Bonus: Jennifer finds that a cyber thief engages in fraud so he can afford to buy his dad a birthday present. Goes to show it's not the thought that counts, but your ability to purchase a gift without stealing someone's identity!

mpais@tribune.com

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