Saturday, January 28, 2012

Man On A Ledge Review

What what Internet?  I'm just going to come right out and say that I really enjoyed Man on a Ledge.  For me, the trailer was pretty iffy...it looked like a generic thriller with some pretty cheesy editing and dialogue.  I'm a fan of Sam Worthington and I really don't think he gets enough recognition for his work.  Now I know what you're all going to say - yes, his choice of roles maybe hasn't been the best for showcasing his talent (his best role is probably his voice-work in Call of Duty: Black Ops), but I still like the guy a lot.  He brings a certain charisma to his performances that is appealing to watch.

Man on a Ledge is a well-made, fairly competent heist thriller that takes several interesting and cool turns as it plays out.  I don't want to get too spoilery (as with most thrillers, having the twists and turns spoiled ruins the whole experience), but the plot follows Worthington's Nick Cassidy, recently escaped from prison, who is threatening to jump off of a New York hotel while his brother Joey (Jamie Bell) and his girlfriend Angie (Genesis Rodriguez) attempt to steal a diamond from wealthy businessman David Englander (Ed Harris) who accused Nick of stealing it over two years prior.  Nick went to jail with a twenty-five-year sentence for a crime that he didn't commit.  This adds a twist to the more traditional robbery/heist films from recent memory.  Take last year's Tower Heist and make it a bit more dramatic, with more players and you'll get MoaL.

I quite enjoyed the performances in Ledge.  I already talked about Sam, but co-star Elizabeth Banks was great as well (love her in 30 Rock and Scrubs), as were Titus Welliver (Lost's The Man in Black) and Anthony Mackie.  Mackie's been popping up lately in more films - and I'm digging it.  He's fantastic in The Hurt Locker, The Adjustment Bureau, and even in Real Steel.  Ed Harris is great as always...but man does he look old.  Its not fun seeing actors looking maybe not-so-badass any more.  Even going back just a few years to films like A History of Violence, Gone Baby Gone, and Appaloosa, he's changed quite a bit. Luckily that doesn't effect his panache for being a slimy bad guy.

I really enjoyed Man on a Ledge.  Its a well-made, gripping heist thriller...with a man on a ledge.  I'm not a fan of heights so I was on edge for most of this film.  The thrilling nature of seeing Worthington literally on a ledge was mirrored with the heist aspect; a different kind of thrill.  I'd recommend this film to almost anyone; there really isn't much wrong it and yet there isn't anything that launches it into the stratosphere of films like Gone Baby Gone or The Town.  If you suspend your ability to call out minor plot holes or contrivances (hotel windows aren't supposed to open...) I think you'll have a fun time at the theater.

Man on a Ledge is pretty entertaining.

The Bearded Bullet is going to stay away from heights for a while..

2 comments:

  1. There is obviously a bunch to identify about this. I think you made some nice points in features also.
    Lokar XBAG-6133 Black Curved Brake/Clutch Pad with Rubber - Pair

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello there, I discovered your website by the use of Google whilst looking for a comparable matter, your web site got here up, it seems great. I've bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Kamik Women's Jennifer Rain Boot

    ReplyDelete