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12 Rounds Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed movies.
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$9.99 Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed movies.
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Lookout, The
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MPAA RATING: R for language, some violence and sexual content
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeff Daniels, Matthew Goode, Isla Fisher, Carla Gugino, Bruce McGill, Alberta Watson, and Alex Borstein
This intelligent crime drama is centered around Chris (Gordon-Levitt), a once promising high school athlete whose life is turned upside down following a tragic accident. As he tries to maintain a normal life, he takes a job as a janitor at a bank when he ultimately finds himself caught up in a planned heist. (Miramax Films)
| GENRE(S): | Crime | Drama | Suspense/Thriller |
| WRITTEN BY: | Scott Frank |
| DIRECTED BY: | Scott Frank |
| RELEASE DATE: |
DVD: August 14, 2007 Theatrical: March 30, 2007 |
| RUNNING TIME: | 98 minutes, Color |
| ORIGIN: | USA |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this movie is 7.8 (out of 10) based on 43 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Stuart M gave it a10:
This is a wonderful character development movie with enough action in the plot to make it work. You get a great understand of the characters and it really draws you in. Plus the advanced scout team got this movie all wrong. It was about dealing with brain trauma, and not a revenge of the nerds type movie. The movie shows how Chris is completely fine yet can never have his old life again. It is about Chris' dealing with his accident and how cruel, ruthless, and manipulative people can be.
Paul W gave it a4:
The look and feel of this movie is that of plastic and so was the acting of many of the young actors including that of leadsman Joseph Gordon-Levitt who's performance was skin-deep throughout the whole ordeal, never showing us anything other than confusion or acted frustration. Jeff Daniels was the only actor able to put some weight into his role as Chris's blind roommate Lewis, the only 'real' character in this movie. At no point during this movie I was even slightly entertained and with it's formulaic plotpoints failing to give this film some momentum and absence of clever dialog, the viewer is rocked asleep like a baby.
Ash p gave it a2:
How anyone can give this film a semie decent score is unbelievable. It laughable plot hinges on someone with memory problems, who regualrly locks himself out of his car, being trusted with the keys to the local bank. The resolution is just insulting.
Dave N. gave it an8:
Slow, but effective. The acting, script and cinematography are all superior. Somehow, this movie got almost no "buzz" when it came out, but it's worth seeking out as a rental.
Nick A. gave it a9:
In 1998, George Clooney co-starred alongside then-pop-diva, Jennifer Lopez, in 'Out of Sight,' a film by Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh. The film was hailed by critical masses as one of that year’s best and received two Academy Award nominations, one of which was for its screenplay, which was adapted from the same-titled Elmore Leonard novel by screenwriter Scott Frank. Since then, Frank has accumulated quite a resume – one that includes writing credits for Spielberg’s critically-acclaimed box office smash, 'Minority Report,' and the star-studded Hollywood satire, 'Get Shorty' (also first a novel by Elmore Leonard), which was released prior to 'Out of Sight,' in 1995. However, Frank had never taken a stab behind the camera – not until 'The Lookout' – and, basing his talent as a director on this film, I wonder why. Chris Pratt had everything. Once a teenage prodigy, Pratt (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) was the star of his high school’s hockey team, raised in an upper-class family, and was the apple of every girl’s eye. One night, while driving with his girlfriend and two others, Pratt lost it all to a terrible car accident. Now the janitor of a small town bank, Pratt struggles daily with physical and mental consequences of that night. Feeling psychologically abandoned by his family, and without friends, Chris finds his only company in a middle-aged blind man named Lewis (Jeff Daniels), whom he shares his apartment with. Yearning for more in life – a more respectable job, female companionship – Chris is left vulnerable to Gary (Matthew Goode), a con whose intentions are to rob the bank at which Chris works. Pratt forms a friendship with Gary and even falls for a former-dancer named Luvlee (Isla Fisher), herself a friend of Gary’s. “Whoever has the money has the power.” Unfortunately for Chris, Gary is power-bent, caring not for a friendship with Chris, but rather for Chris’ access to the bank’s vault. As previously acknowledged, Frank’s writing ability is boundless, and 'The Lookout' will only increase the realization of that fact. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is captivating as the tormented 24-year-old, delivering a profoundly emotional performance that will sneak under your skin and tear itself out by film’s end. Daniels is convincing as the blind friend, whose life experiences have evolved into wisdom, which he volunteers to Chris. Daniels is also the film’s comic relief, which, actually, gives this already thrilling film some much-appreciated charm. In her brief screen time, Isla Fisher provides a supple romantic subplot and entices with her sexy character, Luvlee. Matthew Goode, as the malevolent mastermind behind the impending robbery, delivers a riveting, completely absorbing performance. In fact, don’t be surprised if you find his name on the nominee list, next to Frank (for his screenplay), come Oscar time. 'The Lookout' is a compelling study about the effects of past mistakes and the consequences that come with such, enthralling because of its broken protagonist, its gripping, crime-toting side-story, its talented cast and its fine-tuned dialogue. As one of 2007’s most inspired, lucidly scripted motion pictures, Scott Frank’s directorial debut will soon be regarded as a classic and may do what last year’s 'Little Miss Sunshine' did when February rolls around. “Whoever has the money has the power.” Well, for the price of a rental – or, if you’re feeling over-zealous, the DVD – you can experience this powerful example of a well-constructed movie.
Hal B. gave it an8:
A breath of fresh air amidst the usual summer rehashing of action-thrillers. A bank heist movie that is about so much more than a robbery. A character-driven plot with an excellent script, cast, locations and photography. This little gem should not be missed, except by numbskulls simply looking for another cheap thrill. Gordon-Levitt and Matthew Goode are superbly cast in the leads; with great supporting turns by Isla Fisher (remember her from Wedding Crashers?) and Jeff Daniels. Even MadTV's Alex Borstein has a nice little part... And watch out for "Deputy Doughnut"!
Patrick C. gave it an8:
The movie isn't perfect. Sure Levitt is out of character at times and Daniels might not be blind but the movie is enjoyable. The movie has the right mix of suspense and drama to get you invested in the characters. At the end of the movie you'll be happy you went and even hopeful that Levitt with continue his film noir streak. Brick was great, The Lookout is good hopefully his next film will be perfection.
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