Abandon MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -2 1/2

About to graduate, working on her final thesis and attending job interviews, Katie Burke (Katie Holmes of TVs Dawsons Creek) feels the pressure of reaching her college finish line. Wade Handler (Benjamin Bratt), a police detective and recovering alcoholic, is given the task to find out about Embry Larkin (Charlie Hunnam), a rich college student whos been missing for two years. Wades investigation leads to Katie, who was Embrys girlfriend before he disappeared. However, Wade finds himself drawn to Katie and even considers abandoning his job. But Katie also feels that Embry has come back and is stalking her. Wade makes a discovery that could change life for all of them. This slow-building mystery features numerous flashbacks and dream sequences that muddle the story as it tries to provide motivations for the characters. Only the PG-13 rating and the star names will attract interest.

Although it initially portrays some of the pressures college students face as they approach graduation, the film also typifies the Hollywood image of college. Dorm parties feature alcohol and drug use in excess, and promiscuous sex is normal. Wades former addiction is shown through comments at AA meetings. Sounds of sexual activity are heard as Katie and a friend discuss anothers multiple partners. A few scenes also show Katie in bed with Embry and later Wade, although no nudity is shown. A school psychiatrist inappropriately asks Katie for a date. And Wades developing relationship during a police investigation would also be inappropriate. In one scene, Wade also ignores Katies friends smoking marijuana. One character explains to a choir that their song is based on a work by monks singing about God, not to other monks but to God. Violence is limited to a few struggles and wounds that occur off-screen, but strong profanity and obscenities are used several times. Condoned promiscuous and premarital sex, along with excessive alcohol, drug use, and profanities should encourage concerned viewers to ABANDON this psychological mystery.

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Distributor: Paramount Pictures, 5555 Melrose ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038