Digithoughts

Man on a Ledge is set up like your typical bank heist movie, only this time the leader of the pack, our "Danny Ocean," is trying to prove he didn't steal something....by stealing it.

The problem is, most other caper movies know viewers like to see how the heist will be pulled off through a series of montages, as each specialist does his or her part, usually with a dash of dry humor and sarcasm. This setup is exactly what’s missing from Man on a Ledge.  The story hinges on the audience not minding that the incarcerated protagonist could put a plan together that required in-depth knowledge of a building he has never been to or seen inside.

Now that I’ve put this critical narrative flaw on the table, the movie’s not half bad: Predictable but not dull, moderately enjoyable. Sam Worthington, whose breakout role as a humanoid robot in Terminator: Salvation was slightly ironic since he has always been labeled as a stiff, emotionless actor since. But the writing for Worthington's character is decent and the story is paced well enough to build enough suspense that I occasionally found myself on the edge of my ledge...er, seat.

Man on a Ledge is okay multiplex fodder and not horribly long to sit through. If you’re looking for a crime thriller that’s smarter than you, though, this ain’t it. It’s got nothing new to put on the table. ** -- Guy Meyer

Underworld: Awakening is the the fourth movie in an action/horror genre franchise. Any number of word combinations from that statement raises flags. But you know what you’re getting, and if you’re not already a fan of the series and go to see it, you’re probably just looking for something to complain about. But if you’re already on board for this sort of thing, chances are you’ll enjoy the ride. 

It is not Shakespeare, but it is not Twilight either, and for what it is, Underworld: Awakening is an entertaining movie with fun action sequences, acceptable performances, good special effects, and Kate Beckinsale in skintight leather.  The movie also successfully expands on the storyline started in the first two installments and takes the series in an interesting direction without stretching beyond the breaking point what is reasonable in this entirely unreasonable universe.  A well crafted (albeit predictable) cliff hanger at the end makes at least one more sequel a foregone conclusion.  ** -- Garrett Bartoloa

We were too late to get back in the movie screening groove to make the holiday previews for Albert Nobbs and The Grey, and there were no preview screenings for One for the Money.  For Albert Nobbs, we’ll note that Glenn Close is a natural treasure, and the thought of watching her try to masquerade as a man for two hours sounds fascinating to watch; and that The Grey has gotten pretty decent buzz, but we’re disturbed by a movie that makes endangered wolves villains. Finally, we’d hoped Hollywood would be able to turn the New Jersey detective Stephanie Plum, from Janet Evanovich’s books, into a franchise of her own, and Katherine Heigl seemed like decent casting in the role, but if they’re not screening the movie for critics that’s a really bad sign. -- Tom Siebert

Digitaria Staff Co-authored Post

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