The Lookout

About a week has passed since I went to see The Lookout. I wanted to give myself a week before I wrote any about this film just to make sure that my comments were based on true feelings, and not initial reaction. Unfortunately, I can’t say that the extra week has proven to give any more support to the rather usual film. Written and directed by Scott Frank, this film plays out just as everyone thinks it will, with very few surprises, and even less depth.

But let’s not go so far as to say that it’s a bad film; it’s just that there really isn’t much to it whatsoever. The story follows the life of Chris Pratt (played by Joseph Gordon-Lewis), a Memento-esque character unable to retain memories due to a frontal lobe injury. Living his life with another disabled man, Lewis (played by Jeff Daniels), he lives out his life as normal as he possibly can. His life enters a dangerous period when he’s coursed into involvement with small town bank-robbers.

The problem with this synopsis is that it encompasses the entire movie, and yet, all of this information can be retained simply by watching the trailer on TV in thirty seconds. That, my friends, is a problem: an even larger and still growing problem with Hollywood films.

But let’s not go so far as to ignore the achievements of the film. Though Gordon-Lewis’ acting resembles that of his previous hit Angels in the Outfield, from thirteen years ago, Jeff Daniels seems to step up as a secondary character. Though there’s not much there either, more fault can be placed on the script for not allowing any depth in either of the characters. Both actors execute the parts as written, and suffice to say, what you see is what you get. The villains, a group of Kansas City trash, resembles the more hostile version of the breakfast club—but armed. And, per usual, there’s a ring leader that never speaks, and wears sunglasses in the dark. Original…very original…

I found myself more entertained by the location of the film, as I am from Kansas City. I will say this: the film makers did pay attention to detail, as all their local references were spot on, and visually speaking, they were able to capture the city as it truly is in the dead of winter.

But the rest is not much more than a few comments beyond the usual. Boy meets girl, girl likes him, girl likes ring leader, girl disappears for no reason. Boy meets gang, boy helps bad guy, boy feels guilty, boy makes things right. Blah blah blah blah.

I can’t say that this is worth the rent when it comes out. If you’ve got nothing to do, and you want to see a sub-par story about a boy with a conscience, this is the film for you. Mild graphic violence brings the film a bit of a heartbeat, but it comes well after you’ve been left on the table, flat-lined and cold. I blew $6.50 on this thinking it might have some merit. And that’s not to say that you won’t enjoy it. Just remember, when you go to the theatre, popcorn costs $4. Shouldn’t the content of your movie at least out-price that of boiled-in-butter-kernels?

Bleh! 5 of 10.