Hidden Gem: THE LOOKOUT

With so many films released each year there are bound to be a few you don’t get to see or even hear of. Some relief: if you’re having trouble finding something new to watch, struggling through the options at the theater, or wading through Netflix or a collection at home, it is possible there’s something you’ve missed. I’m hoping I can provide a solution, or at least a decent alternative.

Let’s go back to 2007, with the suspense/drama The Lookout.

This noir isn’t necessarily a groundbreaking contribution, and it’s not going to stun, but through a dynamic delivery, it will simmer.

An Accident, A Heist, And A Slick Script

After a prom night accident, athlete Chris Pratt’s (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) life is drastically changed. As we learn in the opening moments, he tries to have a very regimented routine, after suffering a severe brain injury. Through his class, where he practices sequencing, he goes through his list of daily activities, and he’s floundering. He’s forgetful, lacks impulse control, and is clearly distressed about everything he’s lost. Now unable to pursue his hockey dream, he works as a custodian at a bank.

This delivers an interesting layout for the film, borrowing an idea from Memento, but still maintaining its own identity. He’s estranged from his wealthy family, whom we glimpse warily during an uncomfortable Thanksgiving visit, and lives with his blind friend Lewis (Jeff Daniels). They have plans to open a restaurant but have had trouble getting things in order. Even here, as with everything else in his life, he doesn’t seem that interested.

There’s a fragility within The Lookout that’s rendered frequently. After all, the course of this movie is underway because of a few minutes of youthful arrogance, of pushing your limits, and finding it has severed your old life. Chris Pratt learns, in the worst way, how quickly things can change. Of course, soon enough, he’s tested again. This is where Lookout transitions to a heist movie, but it never fully sheds its tender outer layer.

Matthew Goode comes strolling in as Gary, seeming like the long-lost friend, but with a deviousness that’s obvious to everyone but Pratt. He’s soon lassoed into their group, which also includes the silent, foreboding Bone (Greg Dunham). Their intent is to manipulate, using the fresh-faced Luvlee Isla Fisher as a bargaining chip (to the sexually repressed Chris). As the cerebral and contemptible Gary, Goode is exceptionally well cast here, using his charisma as a weapon, and luring Chris into a rather murky spot.

His lust for life is stoked again, but can he really assist in robbing the bank he works at? He’s wavering because Chris know it’s morally wrong, but for the first time in a while he’s needed and looked at as more than his accident. He is steadfast in his pursuit to make his own way, despite his wounds, and this is just another way to commit.

Tread carefully, Chris.

Why It Is Worth Your Time: The Little Neo-Noir That Could

Written and directed by Scott Frank, the dialogue is sharp, yet sincere, and the conversations feel genuine because of the great ensemble cast. In ways, The Lookout draws inspiration from several films before it, but still manages to piece together a narrative that’s distinctive. As the movie builds, so does the pace, reminding you efficiently of the stakes. There’s a great use of the locale too, making this Kansas City seem remote and haunting.

If you were to summarize the film to someone, it might not sound like anything particularly moving or thrilling, and in a way, you’d be right. This isn’t a perfect film, but part of the appeal of a great movie night is the discovery of something new, something entertaining, and something that makes you appreciate film. The Lookout has performances and direction that should be valued, with a story that maintains a credible appetite.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt gives such a nuanced portrayal that it is nearly impossible not to admire his commitment. This is a challenging situation for Pratt, and Levitt is remarkably refined here. In some of his roles, and this is no exception, he has a subtle bravado, a sort of swagger that’s timid, which makes this character’s uncertainties seem real. As the complex Pratt, his struggle is written across his stoic face: he yearns to be the confident man that he was, but also knows his limitations. In an already impressive collection of roles, this is another that is worth noting.

Somehow, despite some heavy dips in tone, there is also room for humor. Especially when it comes to Lewis, and Daniels’ dry salty quips. Lewis tends to flit in and out just enough to maintain his cuteness, but not enough to be overwhelming. Goode and Fisher are both wonderful. Their characters are fundamentally bad guys (specifically Goode), but they are also magnetic, which keeps the audience as tentative as Chris.

Conclusion: The Lookout

The Lookout boasts a talented cast and manages to be fun while maintaining suspense. It uses its strengths to keep you guessing, but it also ensures emotive heft. The movie could have easily been unbalanced, but instead it’s uniquely engaging.

What will happen? Will he make it out of this? Check it out!

The Lookout is available to watch on Sundance Now.

What do you think? Do you agree? Was this a worthy recommendation or is it worth leaving on the shelf? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!