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| Movie Review: The Lookout Alternate Title: The Patsy
Story: High school, golden boy
Chris Pratt had the whole world ahead of him when a tragic accident,
caused by his reckless driving, takes two lives and leaves him brain
damaged. In a flash his once promising life turns to crap. We find him
four years later trying desperately to function in a new world. His
injury leaves him without the ability to process things in sequence.
Each task, regardless of difficulty, often becomes a major challenge.
His daily grind includes going to rehab and working as a night janitor
in a bank. He lives with an older blind telemarketer from rehab who
becomes a sort of guidance counselor. First time director Scott Frank
(screenwriter for Out of Sight and Get Shorty) manages to do a lot with
his own fairly predictable screenplay. Director Frank has a clear, direct
vision behind the camera and I look forward to seeing more of his films. We care deeply for young Chris and his older
roommate. The plot thickens when Chris meets an old HS alumnus who he
befriends and then convinces Chris to be a part of their plot to rob
his bank. I was intensely involved in all of the characters, and some
of them were pretty scary. Despite a loose predictable ending, it was
very entertaining and a welcome treat. Acting: Joseph Gordon-Levitt has
traveled a long way since starring as the kid on Third Rock From
the Sun. He was remarkable in Mysterious Skin (see my
2005 review). He underplays each role and is riveting to watch. Matthew
Goode (Match Point) was terrific as the very bad bank robber.
Jeff Daniels, never gives a bad performance. Once again
he hits it right on the head.
Predilection: None. Food: Thanksgiving meals, ravioli and stewed tomatoes.
Blatant Product Placement: O'dool's beer.
Opening Titles: All titles are at the end but the
opening sequence right before the car crash is stunning to watch.
Visual Art: The cinematography by Alar Kivil
was stunning.
Theater Audience: I went to a preview with a friend
so it was crowded.
Weather: Chilly in Kansas.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: Bad guys make me squirm.
Drift Factor: No drifting for me.
Predictability Level: Pretty high
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen - go for the thrill
of it all. Jeff Daniels is a fine actor whose career
will have many more years. Some of my favorite Jeff Daniels film for
you to rent are: Good Night, and Good Luck,The Squid and the Whale,
Pleasantville, Fly Away Home, Dumb & Dumber, Gettysburg,The Butcher's
Wife, Radio Days, Something Wild, The Purple Rose of Cairo
Length: One hour and 40 minutes.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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