Out of Sight

Starring: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Dennis Farina, Ving Rhames, Steve Zahn, Don Cheadle, Albert Brooks, Catherine Keener, Isaiah Washington, Luis Guzman, Michael Keaton (cameo), Samuel L. Jackson (cameo)
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Rating: R
Genre: Crime, Romance
1998

Times Seen:
Tim: 2


Summary: A jailed crook, Jack Foley (George Clooney) escapes with the help of his friend (Ving Rhames), but in the escape, they are forced to take a hostage, federal agent Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez). Sisco and Foley have a moment together in the trunk of the car during his escape, and they fall for each other. However, Sisco assigns herself to the case to bring Foley in. As she gets closer to apprehending him, her own feelings may threaten her duty as a federal agent.

Review:

Tim: Out of Sight was pretty well liked by critics, although I really can't figure out why. Perhaps they were lured into enjoyment by the charisma of Clooney or Lopez, or that the film is based on a popular Elmore Leonard novel. I will admit that this is a decent movie, but even Soderbergh in the director's chair can't bring it very well to the big screen (I should mention I'm not one of those people that think the book is better, I've never read a single Leonard book. I just the movie was done poorly).

One of the main problems I have with the film is that the Clooney-Lopez relationship never quite makes sense to me. Perhaps this is one time when the book IS better than the movie, I don't know. The whole thing happens so fast and in such an unbelievable way and blossoms when it probably shouldn't, it just seems fishy throughout the film.

The action in the film isn't too spectacular, the romance isn't quite there, the thrills are missing as well, and as far as a crime movie goes, Out of Sight can't really even be called "mediocre." This film is quite disappointing, I think it could have been much better.

The cast is by far the best part of the film. Clooney and Lopez, though not great together, each have their own moments on the screen. Rhames plays his supporting role excellent as he always does. Steve Zahn gives an annoying performance, but he does it well. With Dennis Farina and Don Cheadle filling out of the rest of the cast, its difficult to find a better cast anywhere (although Clooney has certainly done it, in films like Ocean's Eleven). With cameos by Michael Keaton and Samuel L. Jackson, it's tempting to recommend looking past the film's shortcomings to see it just for the cast alone.

You don't have to take my word on this film. Heaven knows enough critics out there loved this movie, so perhaps I'm wrong. Regardless, I felt disappointed in this film. The worst part of it for me is that it just doesn't stick. It's not memorable in the least. That is a very bad characteristic for a film to have.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Jackie Brown, Get Shorty, Ocean's Eleven, The Italian Job, Enough, sex, lies, and videotape, Solaris