THE LOOKOUT
(R)
MOVIE: ***(out of 5)
DVD EXPERIENCE: *** (out of 5)
STARRING
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as CHRIS PRATT
Jeff Daniels as LEWIS
Matthew Goode as GARY SPARGO
Isla Fisher as LUVLEE
Carla Gugino as JANET
Created by: Scott Frank
Studio: Miramax
BY KEVIN CARR
In general, I like a good heist movie. Even if it’s not the best heist movie out there, I can definitely appreciate one that is unique. And “The Lookout” is definitely unique. This film tells the story of a young head-trauma victim that is getting his life back on track with a janitor job at a bank. When he discovers that his new friend is using him to rob the bank, his loyalties are put to the test.
The fact that “The Lookout” takes the heist from a “Momento” angle is its strength. Strip away the head-trauma hero, and you’re left with a white-trash heist film. (Granted, I haven’t seen any of those, but that descriptor doesn’t quite grab me.) What’s interesting about this is that the robbers are realistic characters. It’s not a team of geniuses that have the most brilliant plan around. Instead, they’re not to bright and a bit desperate.
As a heist film, it’s not the greatest, but it’s not bad either. It’s an independent, alternative take on the genre, it works to a degree. The performances are great, especially the normally clean cut and suave Matthew Goode as the grisly sleaze bag.
The DVD comes with an audio commentary, plus two featurettes that examine the character and injuries of Chris Pratt as well as how the film was constructed.