The Lookout
The Lookout is an excellent independent film. In fact it won this year's Independent Spirit Award for Best Director (Scott Frank). The main complaint I have with the film is that it is ultimately pretty forgettable. The movie centers around themes that while, yes, interesting while you are watching the film, later begin to lose resonance. This is an independent film that you are not going to be discussing in a heated debate with your friends in a cafe wearing black later on. The movie is one of those ephemeral types of flicks that come and go quickly in your mind.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the lead in the film. You may recall him from the terrible tv show 3rd Rock from the Sun. (I am sure he is sick of being referred to over and over again in light of this show.) However, Gordon-Levitt has been in quite a few compelling indie films over the years and he turns in a top notch performance as Chris Pratt in The Lookout. Chris is a former high school athlete who was involved in a tragic car crash that left him partially brain damaged. Chris is trying to pull it together to lead a normal life despite his handicap from the accident. However, he ends up inadvertently getting sucked into being a pawn in a plot to rob a bank.
Jeff Daniels plays Chris' blind friend/ roommate Lewis and also is quite good in this movie. This was the best role I can recall seeing Jeff Daniels. The actor obviously put a great deal of care and attention into the part. Maybe Jeff Daniels is going to have some sort of comeback after his very inconsistent career path which has now spanned almost 30 years.
The Lookout has great cinematography, nice acting, an interesting plot and as a whole flows well. This is really all I really can ask for in a movie and I respect this film. Yet, did it completely knock my socks off? The answer is no. But if you want to see a finely crafted film which contains all the prerequisites, The Lookout is a decent choice. It will not change your life.
Grading
Visuals: B
Story: A-
Acting: B+
Originality/Innovation: B
Enjoyability: B+
Overall: B+
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