The Lookout (2007)

Synopsis:When you're at the top of the world, the only place is to go is down and for Christopher Pratt (Joesph Gordon-Levitt) not only did he go down, but he went crashing down. After a horrendous car accident resulting in the loss of two of his friends and the physical handicapp of his ex-girlfriend, Chris Pratt is left to pick up the pieces of his own life along with the mental disorder that he suffered in the accident. He lives his mundane life, trying to just get by without going into seizures and trying to remember how to use a can opener. That is the world Chris has to deal with until the night he meets Gary Spargo (Matthew Goode). Gary befriends him and even helps him hook up with the very fine Luvlee Lemons (Isla Fischer). Suddenly, Chris's life is picking up! But there's something strange about Gary and Luvlee, something not quite right. It is not until Gary asks Chris for a favour does Chris realize the kind of trouble he has gotten himself into. Oh, did I mention that Chris works as a janitor in a bank?

Should You Watch It? This film is amazing. It starts off so small and just builds and builds until it freakin' explodes at the climax. It starts off as a tragic story about a boy that had everything going for him, but then it starts to introduce new characters like Chris' blind roomate, Lewis (Jeff Daniels) and Chris' family. All of these characters contribute to an enticing story that tugs on your heart strings along the way of an evoluting situation and finally pulling at your emotions, full-throttle by the end.

Things to Watch Out For: Isla Fisher, can you please be not as hot in your next movie? I know it's hard but you're making it very difficult for me to concentrate on the story when you're walking around in your underwear. Anyways, with that out of the way... The writing brilliant. I'm not just saying that because I'm a writer and whatever, but because it really is. Everything that's introduced, every bit of dialogue that you think is worthless, somehow comes back in the end and contributes in a big way to the story. It's that artistic echo that we writers constantly look for and in this film, it's all over the place. The ending shows how a simple piece of dialogue can be introduced, manipulated then twisted around to make an unforgettable ending.

Things You Don't Expect: I'm surprised at the low-key reception this movie got. I didn't hear about this film at all! Well, hopefully, you'll all go out and watch this after reading this review cause this one is a keeper! I'm also surprised by the serious actor that Joesph Gordon-Levitt has become. I remember day when he was on 3rd Rock from the Sun and then Angels in the Outfield. He played that stock type of character but he has really matured into a well rounded actor. Look for much more from him in the future.

Final Comments:
Story: 9.0 (Scott Frank)
Direction: 8.0 (Scott Frank)
Acintg: 8.8
Cinematography: 7.0
Music/Sound: 6.5

Entertainment Value: 8.8 (not an average)