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.
