2008 Woodie Awards
The Lookout: A movie to look out for
Matthew Howard
Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: Life!
- Page 1 of 1
Before seeing The Lookout, one might be tempted to say that it will probably appeal mostly to fans of the thriller genre. Though, upon viewing this recently released "diamond in the rough" DVD, one would probably change that opinion to say that this film transcends all genres and appeals to the vast majority of film-goers.
Scott Frank makes his directorial debut with a bang. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeff Daniels and Matthew Goode all star in this film about a teenager with an extremely bright future whose life is turned upside down, and guilt leads him into a plot to rob a bank.
Gordon-Levitt, whom you may remember from the movie Angels in the Outfield and TV show "3rd Rock from the Sun" makes his breakthrough performance as Chris "Slapshot" Pratt. Pratt, a former promising hockey player who, due to a devastating mistake which claimed the life of others, is now handicapped and wants nothing more than to take back his mistake.
Frank, who also wrote the screenplay, not only takes us through the struggles that Pratt must deal with, but the struggles of those around him to understand, or accept the fact that he is now disabled.
The only person that seems to appreciate Pratt's plight is his blind friend and mentor, Lewis, played wonderfully by Daniels.
Due to his physical and mental difficulties, Pratt is relegated to being the night janitor of a bank.
It appears that Pratt will probably be stuck where he is because very few people are willing to give him a chance to move up in life. But one person does show up who is willing to give Pratt a chance.
This character's name is Gary Spargo (Goode), a brash man in his mid-twenties, who hints at having a dark side. Spargo draws Pratt into his circle with the allure of friendship and romance.
Pratt quickly buys into this guise and it's not long before the viewer is able to see what Spargo's real intention is; he plans to rob the bank that Pratt works at. Spargo is not able to make the plan work without the help of Pratt. An odd twist of fate gives the film an exciting and unpredictable plot line.
We see Spargo take advantage of Pratt's vulnerability by using his guilt to lure him in, along with the promise of getting his old life back. It's not long before Pratt buys into this scheme.
The last 45 minutes of The Lookout is some of the most thrilling and intense motion picture magic of any recent heist film that has been made. It appears that Frank has wonderful potential as a director and Gordon-Levitt has hopefully gotten the break he needs to be noticed as a truly talented actor.
There are so many wonderful aspects of this film and one that should not be overlooked is the fantastic score by James Newton Howard. The music enthralls you almost as much as the plotline.
This movie is a must see. It will keep you captivated and you will be ensnared by the suspense and action of this one-of-a-kind bank robbery drama.
Scott Frank makes his directorial debut with a bang. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeff Daniels and Matthew Goode all star in this film about a teenager with an extremely bright future whose life is turned upside down, and guilt leads him into a plot to rob a bank.
Gordon-Levitt, whom you may remember from the movie Angels in the Outfield and TV show "3rd Rock from the Sun" makes his breakthrough performance as Chris "Slapshot" Pratt. Pratt, a former promising hockey player who, due to a devastating mistake which claimed the life of others, is now handicapped and wants nothing more than to take back his mistake.
Frank, who also wrote the screenplay, not only takes us through the struggles that Pratt must deal with, but the struggles of those around him to understand, or accept the fact that he is now disabled.
The only person that seems to appreciate Pratt's plight is his blind friend and mentor, Lewis, played wonderfully by Daniels.
Due to his physical and mental difficulties, Pratt is relegated to being the night janitor of a bank.
It appears that Pratt will probably be stuck where he is because very few people are willing to give him a chance to move up in life. But one person does show up who is willing to give Pratt a chance.
This character's name is Gary Spargo (Goode), a brash man in his mid-twenties, who hints at having a dark side. Spargo draws Pratt into his circle with the allure of friendship and romance.
Pratt quickly buys into this guise and it's not long before the viewer is able to see what Spargo's real intention is; he plans to rob the bank that Pratt works at. Spargo is not able to make the plan work without the help of Pratt. An odd twist of fate gives the film an exciting and unpredictable plot line.
We see Spargo take advantage of Pratt's vulnerability by using his guilt to lure him in, along with the promise of getting his old life back. It's not long before Pratt buys into this scheme.
The last 45 minutes of The Lookout is some of the most thrilling and intense motion picture magic of any recent heist film that has been made. It appears that Frank has wonderful potential as a director and Gordon-Levitt has hopefully gotten the break he needs to be noticed as a truly talented actor.
There are so many wonderful aspects of this film and one that should not be overlooked is the fantastic score by James Newton Howard. The music enthralls you almost as much as the plotline.
This movie is a must see. It will keep you captivated and you will be ensnared by the suspense and action of this one-of-a-kind bank robbery drama.