Hangman (2017) is a gripping crime thriller that puts a disturbing twist on a childhood game. Directed by Johnny Martin, the film follows veteran homicide detective Ray Archer (Al Pacino) who pulls his retired partner, Will Ruiney (Karl Urban), back into action to track a serial killer who stages his murders as macabre versions of the game Hangman. With each crime scene revealing another letter of a hidden message, the detectives race against time to decipher the pattern before the killer completes his grim puzzle.

The film's strength lies in its atmospheric tension and the dynamic between its lead actors. Al Pacino brings his signature intensity to the role of Archer, while Karl Urban provides a grounded counterpoint as the weary but determined Ruiney. Brittany Snow adds depth as a crime journalist caught in the investigation, creating an interesting triangle of perspectives on the unfolding horror.

While the film received mixed reviews for its familiar procedural elements, it succeeds in creating genuine suspense through its central conceit. The killer's use of the Hangman game creates a compelling cat-and-mouse narrative that keeps viewers engaged as they try to solve the mystery alongside the detectives. The cinematography effectively captures the shadowy urban landscape where the crimes occur, enhancing the film's ominous mood.

For fans of crime thrillers and police procedurals, Hangman offers solid entertainment with enough twists to maintain interest throughout its 98-minute runtime. The game-based murders provide a unique hook that distinguishes it from standard serial killer narratives, making it worth watching for those who enjoy puzzle-box mysteries with dark psychological undertones.