Stream it now The Lookout 2007

 

This is one of those movies that hasn't been seen by that many people, which is a shame because its great.

After his work in Brick, I saw that Joseph Gordon Levitt
had talent, but it wasn't until I saw this one that I knew that he had genuine movie star potential. Not only was he terrific, but Jeff Daniels in his supporting role is better than he's ever been before. I honestly don't know how he didn't get an Oscar nomination. The story is good, the characters developed, and there are a few blood pumping scenes thrown in to keep the tension high.

The Lookout is a very original film that combines a story of a young man suffering from short-term memory loss and his involvement in a bank that he robs. Along with great acting, especially from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jeff Daniels, and great script, The Lookout makes for an entertaining yet messy film.

Could have been a lot better. It should have been a smart and gritty movie, but they made it into a stupid cliche.

I blame it on the characters they choose. All the characters are totally predictable and flat.

The Bone character is completely ridiculous. He belongs in any of the throw away superhero movies.

And a stripper. Again, belongs in a throw away superhero movie.

Really liked this movie.

Released in 2007, "The Lookout" flew under the radar of most moviegoers. But with the movie's star, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, now being hailed as the new Heath Ledger, perhaps there is no better time than the present to check out one of his hidden gems. The movie is a spellbinding crime drama on the surface, but if you dig deeper, you will find that there is much more than meets the eye. The film finds a quiet strength in Gordon-Levitt's Chris, affected by short-term memory loss after a car crash that killed his friends, just trying to find a way to contribute to the world. But his mental incapacitation makes it hard for him to do even the simplest of things, and he writes down his routine in a notebook.

Chris' position as the night cleaner at a small-town bank attracts the attention of a gang of bank robbers who intend to exploit his shortcomings in order to get the money. Led by the smooth Gary (Matthew Goode, "Watchmen"), the gang is able to coax Chris into helping, mainly through the strategic use of Luvlee (Isla Fisher, "Wedding Crashers"). But Chris' blind roommate, Lewis (Jeff Daniels), provides a foil for the gang. He has street smarts and can see right through the gang. And as time goes on, Chris begins to realize what Lewis can so clearly see. The result is a wild and unpredictable third act, which excites and thrills.

I could speak volumes on Gordon-Levitt's delicate performance, but I should let the movie speak for itself. It is a refreshing take on the crime thriller, ranking up with "Inside Man" and possibly even close to "Reservoir Dogs." It is a very plot-driven movie, but "The Lookout" takes equally as much of its strength from the powerful performances of Gordon-Levitt and Daniels. But now, it is time for me to stop writing and let the movie speak for itself. Go give it a spin; you won't be disappointed.

Intelligent and unsentimental film that unfortunately succombs to genre conventions in its last half-hour. Up until then though, the main attraction is watching Levitt's character being tempted to succomb to his self-loathing. Matthew Goode is his perfect foil; from his first appearence we too are made to feel that there is nothing that this guy can't accomplish, and nothing he is unable to offer. He talks reasonably, smoothly and respectfully; it's easy to see why anybody in Levitt's position would give in to him. In a classic and heavy-handed irony, the only person who can really see what Goode's motives are is a blind man. Jeff Daniels is on career-best form here, playing a bitter man who gets by on his humour, we feel both sides of his personality. Even though he lacks the power of Al Pacino in 'Scent of a Woman', he's not a powerful man, but he radiates intelligence and he's a straight-talker, just like Goode, although all he has to offer is the impotence that comes with morality, a position that ultimately gives the film its bleakness. Daniels is the star of the picture; all of Levitt's actions are judged in terms of his words and advice, and in terms of how they will affect him.

The acting is solid but the story and dialogue aren't very interesting. We feel some sympathy towards the main character but overall he just comes off as an ass. In the end, its a decent thriller but extremely predictable.

The Lookout is one of the best flowing movies of year. Also with great performances from Joseph Gordan Levitt and Jeff Daniels.

the Lookout is about Chris Pratt a very successfull high schooler as he graduates he has everything popularity, skill at sports, a girlfriend. But then he loses everything. And he finds himself living with Lewis, another person who lost everything and he goes through emotional problems and physical problems as he meets a bad enfluence at a bar (Gary Spargo) and starts doing things he shouldnt.

the Lookout is a very made thriller/drama. It successfully gets the viewer into the life of each charcter and even feel pity for them. especially with Chris Pratt you arent just watching his life you really are in it. This very realistic very human film is very emotional and pretty dark with some humor here and there.

the film in all was superb. with the amazing acting from most of the cast (I wasnt blown away by Isla fisher) and with a great story that keeps you wondering whats going to happen next. All of which was shot very well by director Scott Frank. But the ultimate factor that made this film so great was the great level of character development from not just the main character but all of the main characters. the viewer finds himself feeling for every character in the movie.

Passable I liked the screenwriting a lot. However its downfall is building up too much to an event that you kinda wished started half way through the movie instead of at the end. Also it seems dull and uninteresting in long parts of the movie. On the flip side Joseph Gordon-Levitt is masterful in his role and makes you feel that this is a real situation which is good and Jeff Daniels is excellent as the twistedly funny blind roomate. At least it kept me awake and mildly interested, thank god the ending was decent. Mild thumbs up.