The Lookout

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Rating: R

Starring:

Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Chris Pratt

Jeff Daniels as Lewis

Matthew Goode as Gary Spargo

Isla Fisher as Luvlee

Carla Gugino as Janet

Bruce McGill as Robert Pratt

Alberta Watson as Barbara Pratt

Alex Borstein as Mrs. Lange

Sergio Di Zio as Deputy Ted

David Huband as Mr. Tuttle

Laura Vandervoort as Kelly

Greg Dunham as Bone

Morgan Kelly as Marty

Aaron Berg as Cork

Tinsel Korey as Maura

Special Features:

Commentary by writer-director Scott Frank and director of photography Alar Kivilo

Making-of featurette: Sequencing “The Lookout”

Behind the Mind of Chris Pratt

Other Info:

Widescreen (2.40:1)

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX Sound

French Language

French and Spanish Subtitles

Running Time: 104 Minute

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD cover:

“Acclaimed screenwriter Scott Frank (‘Out Of Sight’ and ‘Get Shorty’) makes a mind-blowing directorial debut in ‘The Lookout,’ a gritty, high-tension crime thriller starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (TV’s ‘3rd Rock From the Sun,’ ‘Brick’), Jeff Daniels (‘RV’) and Isla Fisher (‘Wedding Crashers’). Chris “Slapshot” Pratt (Gordon-Levitt), whose once-bright future has been dimmed by a severe head injury, is a night janitor at a bank. Lonely and frustrated, Chris falls prey to a con man’s seductive promise of romance and a better life, and agrees to help rob the bank where he works. Filled with heart-pounding action, edge-of-your-seat suspense and a twist you’ll never see coming, ‘The Lookout’ will grip you and never let go.”

“The Lookout” is rated R for language, some violence and sexual content.

Mini-Review:

If I had to describe “The Lookout” I’d say it’s kind of a cross between “Memento” and, oddly enough, “Point Break.” Both “Memento” and “The Lookout” have a lead character with memory problems. And both “The Lookout” and “Point Break” are about bank robbers and a lead character that gets pulled in on one of their heists.

Leading the cast is Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Chris Pratt. I was a fan of his from “3rd Rock From the Sun,” so it’s interesting to see him in a dramatic role. And, fortunately, he’s quite good. Gordon-Levitt has a great character to play in Pratt. The added twist of his memory problem and Tourettes Syndrome-like honesty give him a lot to work with. His frustration, confusion, and determination and well portrayed by the actor. He’s supported by Jeff Daniels as Lewis. Lewis is blind and Daniels plays that well, but I was never really clear how Pratt and Lewis got to know each other in the first place. Other fantastic supporting actors include Isla Fisher as Luvlee, Carla Gugino as Janet, and Bruce McGill as Robert Pratt. Unfortunately, Gugino’s only in one scene and Fisher’s character isn’t used to her full potential.

“The Lookout” is a great looking film. It also sounds great, too. I particularly liked the score by James Newton Howard. Movie music buffs may want to check it out.

Overall, “The Lookout” is a solid thriller, an interesting character drama, and a great display of acting from the cast. I’d recommend it to anyone that enjoys crime movies and films with complex characters.

You’ll find a modest selection of bonus features on this DVD. First up is a Commentary by writer-director Scott Frank and director of photography Alar Kivilo. You’ll also find a 20 minute making-of featurette called “Sequencing ‘The Lookout'”. Rounding things out is the 9 minute featurette “Behind the Mind of Chris Pratt”. In it, Joseph Gordon-Levitt talks about meeting people with head injuries, how he portrayed them, and other interesting things.

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