The Lookout

Name: The Lookout
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Released: March 30, 2007
Duration: 99 min
Rating: 73
Cast: Jeff Daniels, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Matthew Goode

2007

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 33 Critics

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 159 Ratings

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8.7

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8.7	User Score Universal acclaim based on 159 Ratings

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THE LOOKOUT

Movie Details & Credits

Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: March 30, 2007

Starring: Jeff Daniels, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Matthew Goode

Summary: 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)

Director: Scott Frank

Genre(s): Drama, Thriller, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 99 min

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Awards & Rankings

91	#91 Best Movie of 2007

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Metascore

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Mixed:

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Critic Reviews

100

Portland Oregonian M. E. Russell

If you enjoyed any of Frank's previous work, or thought "Brick" was the bomb, you'll love this. Read full review

Christian Science Monitor Peter Rainer

Nobody can play stupid better than Daniels – think "Dumb and Dumber" – and, as it turns out, few can play smarter. He's a sharp asset in a sharp movie. Read full review

L.A. Weekly Ella Taylor

The Lookout is funny, tender and littered with elegantly written characters played by actors cast for goodness of fit rather than star wattage. Read full review

Premiere Glenn Kenny

With his directorial debut, screenwriting stalwart Scott Frank concocts a compelling variation on a reliable film noir convention. Read full review

Ty Burr

Promises minor pleasures and delivers them. In the process, it's gracious enough to kick in a few extras: a nifty central gimmick, a self-effacing lead performance, and a big slice of ham from supporting actor Jeff Daniels . Read full review

Baltimore Sun Michael Sragow

The way Frank structures and directs this film, it's too predictably "unpredictable." Read full review

New York Post Kyle Smith

Combines the sweet strangeness of "Fargo" with the existential panic of "Memento" and some Elmore Leonard tough talk. It all creates a cinematic tummy ache. Read full review

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User Reviews

Shsch

May 1, 2007

I think a lot of the reviews here miss the point. This is not really an action heist movie although there is both action and a heist. Rather this is a character study of Chris Pratt who has to cope with the limitations of his life after suffering severe brain damage as a result of a car I think a lot of the reviews here miss the point. This is not really an action heist movie although there is both action and a heist. Rather this is a character study of Chris Pratt who has to cope with the limitations of his life after suffering severe brain damage as a result of a car accident which he stupidly causes. I was intrigued by the ways he attempts to regain normalcy such as the ability to sequence events and relate to others in a personal way. I think the gradual manner in which the plot reveals the important things you need to know about Chris's pre-accident life, and especially his family, was very effective in holding the viewer's interest. I also thought Isla Fisher was quite sexy and very effective as bait for Chris's attraction to his "new-found friends." I would highly recommend this film. I think you too will be drawn into the movie and hope that its main character Chris will somehow be able to conquer his limits.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

SallyS.

Mar 29, 2007

The point is the multi-dimensional characters. the heist grabs us & leaves us wrung out because we care so much for Chris and Lewis. Even the villain & femme fatale are made real, not cardboard plot devices. Make sure you read the many excellent reviews, not just the tepid ones. None areThe point is the multi-dimensional characters. the heist grabs us & leaves us wrung out because we care so much for Chris and Lewis. Even the villain & femme fatale are made real, not cardboard plot devices. Make sure you read the many excellent reviews, not just the tepid ones. None are really bad, just some wanting more action thrills who don't have the patience to see what's happening here.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

A-FUNK

Apr 7, 2007

Levitt is brilliant, the sitution he is put in in this movie just makes him shine!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

BilB

Apr 7, 2007

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I'm not really a fan of Jeff Daniels, but his performance was excellent and I have to give it to him.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

HalB.

Aug 19, 2007

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 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"!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Spangle

Dec 31, 2014

The Lookout is certainly a very interesting film. Directed and written by Scott Frank as his directorial debut after a successful career as a screenwriter beforehand, this one is certainly very well written and he certainly directs it very well. The story is told nicely and it is fun to seeThe Lookout is certainly a very interesting film. Directed and written by Scott Frank as his directorial debut after a successful career as a screenwriter beforehand, this one is certainly very well written and he certainly directs it very well. The story is told nicely and it is fun to see everything all come together after being set up. Certainly a very emotional film, The Lookout benefits greatly from strong acting performances by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeff Daniels, and Matthew Goode. Also, Isla Fisher's beauty is another major strength of this one, haha. The plot and backstory of Gordon-Levitt's character is touching and very interesting, really hooks you right into the film as you want to see how everything plays out. However, in spite of the film's best attempts to avoid being a run-of-the-mill heist thriller, this one does wind up being that in a way even with the interesting back story and twists to the typical elements of the genre. Ultimately, this one is a very enjoyable film that is just extraordinary in any way, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but does prevent it from being rated higher.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Ashp

Nov 5, 2007

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.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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