Out of Sight (1998) / Comedy-Thriller

MPAA Rated: R for language and some strong violence
Running Time: 123 min.

Cast: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ving Rhames, Dennis Farina, Albert Brooks, Don Cheadle
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Screenplay: Scott Frank (based on the novel by Elmore Leonard)
Review published December 26, 1998

A notorious bank robber (Clooney, Batman & Robin) busts out of prison with the help of a former inmate (Rhames, Mission Impossible) but kidnaps a female US Marshal (Lopez, U Turn) on the escape route. The Marshal escapes and the two felons make their way to Detroit to try to scam a white collar criminal they met in prison. The Marshal is put on the case to nab them, but is plagues with feelings of attraction to one of the criminals which hinders her performance. Things take a turn for the nasty when another former inmate (Cheadle, Bulworth), an amoral murderous slime ball, also wants a piece of the action.

Clooney surprises with a terrific performance here. I didn't know he had it in him to carry a film after the travesty Batman and Robin and The Peacemaker were, but he handles his role here with flair. But the real star here is Soderbergh, who proves Sex Lies and Videotape was no fluke and pulls off another gem in this adaptation of an Elmore Leonard novel.

Stylish, funny and exciting, with quality performances across the board. It doesn't exactly revolutionize the genre, but it's more than refreshing enough to keep your interest.

Qwipster's rating:

©1998 Vince Leo