Man on a Ledge Movie Review - Sam Worthington continues his steady climb up Hollywood’s A-list following his roles in Avatar and The Debt with Man on a Ledge. While clearly a vehicle for Worthington, the cast features many familiar faces and showcases Worthington without an overabundance of special effects.
Worthington stars as Nick Cassidy, an ex-cop convicted of stealing a diamond from real estate mogul David Englander, played by Ed Harris. After escaping custody he rents a hotel room across the street from Englander’s offices and steps out on the ledge. After police are called Cassidy specifically asks for Detective Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) much to the chagrin of her partner (Edward Burns) and superior Nathan Marcus (Titus Welliver). What we’re privy to is that while Cassidy is on the ledge he’s also communicating with his brother Joey (Jamie Bell) who is breaking into Englander’s vault with his girlfriend Angie (Genesis Rodriguez). Their intent is to prove that Cassidy is innocent by swiping the diamond he was convicted of stealing. Cassidy’s former partner Mike Ackerman (Anthony Mackie) may hold the key to unraveling the plot and his link to this mess slowly appears as the movie climaxes. It’s a familiar but interesting story line. Unfortunately that’s where the interest ends.
The script is very uneven as the pace quickens and slows with no real benefit to the narrative. Those who pay attention will catch the less-than-subtle hints about many of the characters before they are "revealed." Asger Leth’s direction is capable but few shots are dynamic and the acting is over the top at times, Ed Harris’ performance most of all. It is a caricature of a fat cat bad guy and disappointing for an actor with his chops. Rodriguez’s character seems to become more and more urban as the movie plods along. Banks and Burns put in casual performances, but both suffer from the script’s shortcomings. Kyra Sedgwick also appears inexplicably as a Latino reporter with no real contribution to the film.
Worthington is great, when he isn’t speaking. He has all the ability to be an action hero but his dialogue is just not believable and his accent changes with the breeze. He certainly carries the film but is bogged down by it's poor execution.
This isn’t a terrible film. It’s entertaining and fun if expectations are lowered. The problem is that it simply doesn’t live up to its potential. A better script, better acting and more risks from the director would give a great film. Instead we’re left with the kind of sub-par offering typically released post-holiday season. In that regard Man on a Ledge lives up to its release window. If you must see it, wait for it’s home release.
2 stars
Man on a Ledge Movie Review
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In Theaters:
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January 27, 2012
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Starring:
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Sam Worthington
Elizabeth Banks
Anthony Mackie
Jamie Bell
Ed Harris
Genesis Rodriguez
Edward Burns
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Director:
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Asger Leth
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Genre:
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Action
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Rating:
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PG-13 for violence and brief strong language
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Studio:
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Summit Entertainment
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