Man On A Ledge, the film from new director Asger Leth, is a classic messy action thriller. The film covers many of the genres out there; drama, action and heist. The film revolves around an ex-cop and now wanted fugitive Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) who stands on the ledge of a NYC hotel and puts the police and city of New York on edge. NYC negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) must talk Nick off the ledge but she soon starts to realize that there is more to this “suicide” attempt that meets the eye. What the police don’t know is that Nick is using the charade as a distraction whiles his brother Joey (Jamie Bell) and future sister-in-law Angie (Genesis Rodriguez) conduct the biggest diamond heist in history. Nick was sentenced to jail for the theft of a $40 million diamond from Real Estate Mogul David Englander (Ed Harris) but he attempts to steal the diamond back from Englander to prove his innocence. Yes, Nick Cassidy is attempting to steal a massive diamond for the first time in order to prove that he didn’t steal it the first time (yes, I meant every word in that sentence). Also thrown into the mix is an Internal Affairs investigation trying to reveal a bunch of corrupt police who may or may not be connected to Nick’s predicament. Other supporting cast members include Ed Burns, (Jack Dougherty) a cop who works with Mercer to figure out what’s going on and Anthony Mackie, (Mike Ackerman) Nick’s best friend and ex-partner.
There is much to say on this film but let’s start with the following. You will be very entertained seeing this movie. For 95% of this film, I was engrossed in the story unfolding before me. While completely implausible on numerous levels, the film does give you the action, thrills, and laughs you are looking for. The heist is simply way too easy and implausible in every way but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy watching it. Jamie Bell is good as the brother but is second hand to the beautiful Genesis Rodriguez walking (and stripping) around. The couple, who without any previous crime experience, seem to pass through the highest levels of security ever created to steals the infamous diamond. The banter between the couple is witty and provides a laugh or two. Nick’s back story obviously has some holes in it but Sam Worthington does a good job with the character. The interaction with Banks and Worthington are well acted but with poor writing, the two actors do the best they can. Ed Harris is always good and serves his role as the ruthless real estate mogul.
Now for the stuff that really bothered me. This film was just messy. There were way too many story lines and unnecessary plot twists. It seemed like every character had his/her own plot going on. In regards to the implausibility of the film, even the little things like police protocol or having Ed Harris seemingly walk in and out of the “jump scene” just felt like the producers didn’t care. But all of these issues didn’t really matter because the film was entertaining. As mentioned in a previous post, I will allow for these type of messy and clumsy mistakes because of the nature of the film. What really bothered me about the film was that it felt like the producers gave up after 95% of the film. Without revealing the ending, let me just say that the last five minutes of the film may actually ruin the rest of the movie for you. Honestly, it felt like they worked hard for 135 minutes of the film and then as the film was coming to a close, the producers just said, “Screw it, let’s just end this thing.” Despite its shortfalls, I was looking for a decent ending that didn’t do anything special but didn’t make the film stupid. Unfortunately it may have just done that.
So for those of you hoping to see the film, there is plenty to keep you entertained but just remember that the film balancing police, crime, heist, drama and comedic plot lines will leave you more confused than on edge.
Sex: None, just a woman briefly in her underwear
Language: Brief strong language.
Violence: Yes but nothing too graphic
Drugs and Drinking: A little drinking and cigarette smoking
Length: 1 hr 42 min.
Rated: PG-13
Rating: 3.5 Stars
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