Frequent
readers of this column know that I usually have a standout movie pick. These are
films that receive five stars. Sadly, since Michael Moore's brilliant documentary,
The Big One, no film has received five stars. Some have come close but none have
actually gone the distance. Happily, Out of Sight has emerged as the best film
of the year in the most unlikely of places--the summer!
George
Clooney plays Jack Foley, a most resourceful bank robber in this heist/romance
based on the novel by Elmore Leonard, of Get Shorty and Jackie Brown (Rum Punch)
fame. The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh who made the impressive independent
hit, Sex, Lies, and Videotape. With his sharp direction and an extremely smart
screenplay by Scott Frank, Out of Sight could be the sleeper of the summer. It's
expertly acted by Clooney and Jennifer Lopez as a beautiful Federal marshal who
finds herself in a surprising dilemma. Also notable are Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle,
Dennis Farina, Albert Brooks, and a couple of surprise cameos.
Out
of Sight is a smart, complicated yet subtle picture, that tells it's story in
an interesting way. People will no doubt be confused by the way the story switches
between time lines. Don't worry, just pay attention and you will find Out of Sight
to be a rewarding experience.
Watching
Out of Sight was a pure joy. It's not every day that you get a story with so many
colorful characters and complexity. It's easy to see why Steven Soderbergh, Barry
Sonnenfeld, and Quentin Tarantino are so inspired by Elmore Leonard's work. It's
because he's a master storyteller. Out of Sight is sure to make my Top Ten Best
List at the year's end.
