Lift (2024) Movie Review
"Lift" fails to stand out with its bland and uninspiring storyline. It falls into the category of those glossy action films that Netflix frequently releases, seemingly without much thought. While it's not as overly flashy as "Red Notice," it shares similarities with "The Gray Man" – competently made and featuring a star-studded cast, but lacking substance.
Director F. Gary Gray, known for his past successes like "Set It Off" and "The Italian Job," may bounce back with better action movies in the future. "Lift" follows the familiar plot of a group of diverse con artists attempting an almost impossible heist. The storyline does provide some entertainment as the heist becomes more complex, but the characters are so underdeveloped, thanks to Daniel Kunka's screenplay, that it's hard to invest in their success or failure. Additionally, the special effects often feel disconnected from reality, giving the impression of playing a video game rather than watching a compelling movie.
Lift (2024) Movie Review
In "Lift," a gang of experienced high-tech thieves, led by Kevin Hart's character Cyrus, is tasked with stealing half a billion dollars' worth of gold bars from a commercial airliner traveling from London to Zurich. The film takes us to various European destinations like Venice, London, and Brussels, with shiny aerial shots, though they somewhat blend together.
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The plot may sound confusing, but it mainly serves as a setup for elaborate mid-air stunts. Each team member has a specific role, like pilot, hacker, or master of disguise, but beyond that, they lack depth. The characters often engage in banter in high-rise condos and warehouses, trying to be breezy but coming off as strained.
The safecracker, played by Billy Magnussen, stands out with a delightfully goofy performance reminiscent of Brad Pitt in "Burn After Reading." However, this adds a sense of inconsistency, making you wish you were watching a different movie with more focus on his character.
The film relies heavily on zippy editing tricks like sped-up sequences, zooms, and montages for thrills. The numerous fistfights on airplanes become repetitive and wearisome, contributing to the overall monotony of the movie. Perhaps "Lift" is best enjoyed during a flight when you have nothing better to do and need something mindless to pass the time.