Search - The Lookout [Blu-ray] on Blu-ray

Unexpectedly Smart, Brutal, And Uncompromising--"The Lookout

K. Harris | Las Vegas, NV | 03/31/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Within the traditional crime drama genre, it has become increasingly difficult to find serious minded films that don't play as "hip and ironic." Add a young leading man to the equation, and it's twice as likely that you'll end up with a movie filled with artifice and self-awareness. In fact, reading the description of "The Lookout," I was sure that this picture would be just another film where clever one-liners were more important than generating actual suspense and drama. I couldn't have been more wrong! "The Lookout" is a tough and believable entry in the arena of heist films. Bolstered by a powerful lead performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this film is both true to the conventions of crime genre and surprisingly different. The film succeeds with strong character development and provides an intriguing twist on the traditional protagonist.

Here, Gordon-Levitt plays a man coping with severe memory loss, control issues, and occasional motor skill inconsistencies. Sounds scary, huh? But don't worry, this is a real character dealing with real head trauma issues--not some cliche'd portrait or movie-of-the-week caricature. As a former "golden boy," Gordon-Levitt struggles to adjust to his disability. But he's also trying to cope with a monstrous grief--the car accident that impaired him (he was driving) also resulted in the death of two others. One day, he meets a mysterious stranger who claims to know him and seems to accept him in his present condition. Excited to belong, to be normal--he is drawn into a new world of friendship, women, and living life free and on the edge. But he soon questions the motives of his new friend as he is pulled into a plot to rob the bank in which he works. What follows is a hard edged story with real consequences--a riveting and suspenseful drama made even stronger by its attention to characterization.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt seems intent on becoming a serious thespian as opposed to just a big "star." With smart and unusual roles, he has certainly set himself apart from most actors in his age group. With "Mysterious Skin," "Brick," and now "The Lookout"--Gordon-Levitt has put himself on a short list of performers who can be counted on to make interesting choices. These diverse performances demonstrate a great versatility, a willingness to take chances, and (most importantly) the opportunity to really showcase what a great actor he has become. But "The Lookout" also benefits from a great supporting cast. Jeff Daniels gives an understated, humorous and quietly moving performance as Gordon-Levitt's blind best friend. And I found Isla Fisher ("Wedding Crashers") to be enchanting--complicit and innocent at the same time, what might have been a stereotypical role is refreshingly free of cliche.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Lookout." One small note--the skeptic in me wondered how Gordon-Levitt was mentally (not to mention legally) able to handle a car due to his circumstances. In all honesty, it's unlikely that he would have been licensed based on what happened and on his current state of health. But it's a small point in an otherwise exemplary film. Smart, tough, and unexpected--"The Lookout" works as a caper, as a drama, and as a character study. A remarkably complex entry into what has become a fairly routine genre, this film packs an emotional punch and provides another great Gordon-Levitt performance! KGHarris, 03/07."

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Does it Again---He's Subtle & Sexy & He

Tom O'Leary | Los Angeles, California | 10/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is so ominous that I wanted to fast forward at points. It is chilling and moving at the same time.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues his string of astonishing performances which began with Mysterious Skin. He completely disappears into his role here as a young man damaged by a brain injury caused by his own reckless driving. I have a friend who is brain-injured and Joseph is so believable that it is heartbreaking.

All of the performances are nuanced and believable. Jeff Daniels is thrilling as Joseph's blind roommate.

The script of this movie is flawless. You can tell right away that a writer is directing his own work---there is no fluff, no throw away moments.

Every single moment and pause in The Lookout rings absolutely true. Every character is fully-realized. Every choice by a character makes sense, no matter how scary it is. Every plot twist seems earned---all the way through the very moving ending.

I cannot recommend The Lookout highly enough. It is a small masterpiece."