Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Inventive and Engaging: The Lookout

The Lookout (Advance Screening)
Directed by Scott Frank
To be released March 30, 2007

"Get Shorty," "Out of Sight," and "Minority Report" scribe Scott Frank makes his directorial debut with this entertaining and clever thriller. The dialogue is quick and believable, and the story feels fresh, despite the fact that its setup, about a character who suffers a head injury which affects his short-term memory, is very similar to Christopher Nolan's "Memento." Frank weaves an exciting story with a small cast and a small budget, and he does a commendable job.

Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, from "3rd Rock from the Sun" and recently seen in "Brick," brings a great sort of false cockiness to Chris, a former star athlete who loses everything after a violent car accident. Jeff Daniels provides great comic relief as Chris' roommate and best friend Lewis. Matthew Goode is at the same time friendly and chilling as the leader of a team of bank robbers. The one weak link in the central cast is Isla Fisher, hilarious as the crazy sister in "Wedding Crashers," but her lines lack a dramatic punch and it feels like there is something missing in some of her more intimate scenes with Leavitt and Daniels. The cinematography and editing are sharp, and while there is nothing stunningly breathtaking about the film, it is enjoyable and fresh enough for a good time.

B+

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

i could not wait to see this movie when it came out because of what i have seen of joseph gordon levitt in brick and mysterious skin. he is def a rising actor and takes great roles. you may also remember him as the kid in angels in the outfield (and still doing a great part) he played the part well but the showstealer was definitely jeff daniels who ive been really impressed with lately (squid and the whale) the movie is interesting and entertaining though it does not amaze. the story just was not fulfilling enough for me. still i cant wait for jgl's next role. B+ is prob a good grade but i might even givie it a B b/c i was disappointed by the movie having gone in there expecting the best (even though the trailer had its flaws) b/c of jgl
sammy