Man on a Ledge
Review by Anthony Morris
|
|
|
Man on a Ledge
|
|
Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) isn't your usual man on a ledge
threatening to splatter himself all over the New York sidewalk twenty
stories below. For one, he's an ex-cop turned convicted
criminal turned fugitive after escaping from custody during his
father's funeral. For another, there's a high-tech break-in taking
place across the street. Being used as a diversion from the
robbery might explain why he wants to be talked down by a cop
(Elizabeth Banks) best known for failing to stop someone from jumping,
but how is ripping off a real estate mogul (Ed Harris) going to clear
his name? This is the kind of thriller that starts out with
more twists than a busted waterslide and then keeps throwing out new
ones in the desperate hope you won't have time to realise it doesn't
make a lot of sense. Director Asger Leth knows this and
doesn’t let the pace slow down for a second, which is pretty impressive
when your lead is stuck out on a ledge for most of the film. While
the hammy acting (Worthington's accent is all over the place while
Harris might as well be twirling a moustache) complements the cheesy
thrills well, the whole thing will vanish from your mind the second the
credits. Considering some of the implausible twists – this
is a film that really should end with every single character being
thrown in jail forever, so many laws are broken in the story's frantic
rush - that’s probably for the best.
3 out
of 5
Man on a Ledge
Australian release: 2nd February,
2012
Official
Site: Man on a Ledge
Cast: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Anthony Mackie, Jamie Bell, Billy Elliot, Ed Harris, Edward Burns
Director: Asger Leth
|
