ViewGuide

Created Jun 16, 2012 09:17AM PST • Edited Mar 13, 2015 05:50PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   Clever and cliched at the same time, Man on a Ledge generates sufficient thrills to pass the time but not enough to seek it out.

   Sam Worthington plays a framed cop who concocts an elaborate stunt to prove his innocence. Per the title, he threatens to jump from a hotel ledge in midtown Manhattan. But wait, all is not as it seems. (I know, that’s a shocker.)

   With a generally strong cast and a plot that is only too clever by a quarter, the movie holds together well enough to be worth watching. Put it this way, it won’t cause you to want to jump off a building.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Sam Worthington may or may not jump off a ledge, but he sure doesn’t jump off the screen. He seems destined to be a below-the-title star.

   The NYPD detectives who try to talk him down are played by several strong actors.

   • Elizabeth Banks, as a detective recovering from a tragedy and trying to prevent another, is a distinctive presence and a pleasure to see on screen, even if she isn’t enough to carry the movie.
   • Edward Burns makes a rare appearance, reminding us what a grounded presence he provides.
   • Titus Welliver, as an irritated NYPD muckymuck, is a terrific character actor who seems to be undergoing a late career bloom.

   Jamie Bell is a bit annoying as Worthington’s brother, but then Bell is always a bit annoying.
   Genesis Rodriguez plays his gorgeous girlfriend. Only in the movies would a mook like Bell squire around a stunner like Rodriguez.

   Anthony Mackie has character that does jump off the screen, here playing Worthington’s partner. He deserves bigger roles, as he proved in The Hurt Locker.

   Ed Harris chews the scenery as a Trump-like bad guy, but he’s such a fine actor that it’s great watching The Ed even when he overacts.

   Kyra Sedgwick makes a cameo as a TV newshound.

5. Male Stars OK 2.5

6. Female Stars Very Good 3.5

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

10. Film

    Good 3.0

    Writer Pablo F. Fenjves and director Asger Leth deserve another shot at bat after this successful rookie effort for each.

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play OK 2.5

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.8

17. Sex Titillating 1.6

18. Violence Fierce 1.8

19. Rudeness Salty 1.9

21. Reality

    Glib 1.4

22. Circumstantial Surreal 2.1

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0