When it comes to movies, there’s almost no better feeling than finding a great “sleeper movie”.    You know, a movie that didn’t get much press – one lacking the hype of the big blockbusters.    A movie that you really don’t know much about or have any lofty expectation for.     A movie that when finished, you say, “Wow!   That was actually pretty damn good!”    Well if you like that kind of feeling then I’d strongly suggest ‘The Lookout’ (2007).

For those of you who are writers, you’ll really appreciate the story and character construction.    The basic premise centers around a young man, Chris Pratt played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt (the boy off the television show ‘3rd Rock From the Sun’), who after a tragic error in judgment, finds himself stuck in a bitter life filled with pain and regret.    Enter Gary Spargo played by Matthew Goode.    Gary seduces Chris with the promise of money and power – and more importantly the promise of getting his “old” life back – into helping him rob the bank that Chris works at.    To close the deal, Gary uses the sexual prowess of his one-time girlfriend/ ex-stripper Luvlee, played by Isla Fisher of ‘Wedding Crashers’ fame, to keep Chris on the hook.   I’d like to tell you more, but won’t.    That’s the fun of seeing the movie.

 

The direction (Scott Frank) was lean and right on the mark.   The writing grabs you and keeps you on the edge of your seat.    The real stars though are the actors.   I never would have expected such a full-bodied performance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt – he’s got the makings of a real star.   But the actor who stole the movie for me was Matthew Goode.   I have to admit that I’ve never seen any of his other work, but he combines the seductiveness, grit and raw anger that goes into making a great antagonist.   For you writers, if you’re looking for a character sketch to use in your work – look no further than Gary Spargo.    His character alone is worth the price of a rental or purchase.    One other character that really gets your attention is Bone played by Greg Dunham – another great example of a character sketch.    Bone is one creepy guy.    You know from the first time you see him that he’s the weight behind the hammer.    I’m not sure if he ever says more than a couple of lines – but then with a presence like his there’s really no need to clutter is up with a bunch of lines.

 

On my scale of 1- 5 with 5 being a great movie, I’d give ‘The Lookout’ a highly recommended 4.5.

 

Click on the image below to purchase ‘The Lookout’ from Amazon.

 

 

Until next time, seek out the unusual in life to spice up your writing. J/W