The Lookout (2007)

Holds your interest

That's more than many movies can boast. Fine cast, especially Jeff Daniels as the blind roommate. The plot isn't entirely obvious, either. It does degenerate into a somewhat stock thriller during the bank robbery sequence and the aftermath, so be forewarned. Hey, this is Hollywood. September 30, 2008

More Deserving Than Some Reviewers Gave It

This is not a high-speed chase, cut scene, after cut scene, type of movie and maybe that's why some reviewers gave it 1 and 2 Stars, but that's because you actually have to have an attention span longer than 30 seconds to really enjoy this lost gem.
"The Lookout" does have its flaws, but the good acting of Jeff Daniels and Joseph Gordon-Levitt(Third rock from the sun) pulls it all together in the end. If you have patience, and a desire to view a better than average thriller, take your time and let it spin its web, you won't be disappointed. September 30, 2008

The Lookout - Good, Not Great, With Some Missed Opportunities

The Lookout is bound to attract a lot of fans. There's a lot to like here. This is a good movie. The disappointing thing is, this could have been a very good or even a great movie.

Film noir is it's thing, and like many people I am drawn to it. Of course noir fans won't mind a slow moving story, which was no problem for me but might be for some. But I particularly enjoy noir when it is used in a way that actually aids in the story. In this case it seems to be used as an artifice. The noir angle could have been further developed.

The story line is hardly as "unpredictable" as some would have you believe. It's actually so obvious that it's clear that the group's plans would never work. The story is based on the often used formula of the young guy who "had it all" till an accident changed his life. The accident is supposed to leave him damaged, but in my opinion the director under-portrayed the after effects to the point that they are not as powerful as they could have been. A perfect example is the scene where he is hanging out with he newfound friends and lightly says "now I remember why I am here" to the girl who has caught his eye. His condition is lightly played with, but the line is not framed effectively enough to be effective either in a subtle or an obvious way.

Isla Fisher, of Wedding Crashers fame, is very cute and convincing in her role as the love interest. But the real magic happens in the scene she shares with Daniels, who somewhat steals what Levitt leaves behind despite very few lines. I enjoyed Jeff Daniels portrayal a lot. He definitely deserves more credit than he has gotten for this role.

Of course he is the star, but how many noir films is Joseph Gordon Levitt going to star in? Clearly he can act. He carries a lot of this movie, with the help of a very good supporting cast

The main problem with this film is the way all the plot lines are crudely tied together at the end. It's not done effectively and it undermines a good portion of the first hour and change of the movie. I am not one for spoilers so you will have to see it for yourself. Ultimately, this is what made this movie just an OK movie instead of a very good one. By the time you reach the climax and conclusion, you are bound to have several "huh?" moments.

This is still worth watching and I personally find it to be much better than Brick, though both are over-rated in my humble opinion. But don't expect the masterpiece that has been advertised.

Enjoy!!
September 26, 2008

Innate knowledge of good and evil

Chris Pratt has it all: he is hockey player, popular, from a well off family and he has bright future. Until one day in a teenage lust for life, he and his friends drive in a dark of the night, with the lights turned off in order to watch fireflies mate in the night. It is magical moment, until they crash. We see Chris after crash and he is a different person. He is brain damaged and unable to care for himself. He cannot sustain thought process, he needs to write down his tasks or else he forgets. He is also tormented by the events of that night since two of his friends are dead and his girfriend is maimed for life. To have somewhat independent life, he gets a job at the bank as a night shift janitor. Surely, his job and his conditon combined, make him a great bait for the local thugs is search for collecting easy money. This is an interesting movie, that explores outward world's readiness to feed on another person's vulnerability; our human desire for independence, love and physical and emotional connection with the world; and out innate knwoledge of what is right and what is wrong. We also get to see the deep love of the family members for one another and true meaning of friendship that transcends limits of our physical and mental abilities. September 8, 2008

Good movie, good performances, but that's it.

Good movie, good performances, but that's it. Nothing spectacular here, except the blu-ray picture. Probably would have given 3.5 if I could though. Certainly not a waste of an evening, but not nearly as suspenceful or twisting as it is advertised. Quiet and not over-played. Just good, not great. Joseph Gordon-Levitt gave a surprisingly good performance and now that he's filled out some he looks earily like Heath Ledger! August 29, 2008

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