Starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Wincott and Monica Potter. Rated MA. Detective Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) returns in this prequel to the acclaimed Kiss the Girls released in 1997. Following the tragic death of his partner in the line of duty, Cross retires to a quiet life only to have his peace shattered by a crazed ‘fan’ bent on making a name for himself in the annals of criminal history.

Cross, a forensic psychologist, is drawn into a race against time in an increasingly complex web of deceit and betrayal. His new partner, a bright young Secret Service agent (Monica Potter) is keen to assist, in the process redeeming her professional reputation following the kidnapping of a very important kid in her charge.

Morgan Freeman delivers yet another professional and very enjoyable performance as the detective who relies on brains in deference to brawn.

In Along Came a Spider I detected shades of the darker, more stylised 7even, and while not quite as heavy, was equally absorbing as the plot unravelled through its many twists and turns.

The only complaint (I had to have one) was the opening sequence. Although breathtaking in its premise, it was too obviously filmed with a blue background. But that’s a minor complaint that does little to detract from a very entertaining film led by a very fine actor in a good role.