The Ambitious Blend: Hart’s Heist Meets High-Octane Action
Netflix’s new action caper “Lift,” starring Kevin Hart, embarks on a daring narrative path, attempting to blend elements from renowned franchises like the Ocean’s series, Fast and Furious, and Mission: Impossible. Directed by F. Gary Gray and produced by Hart, “Lift” aspires to deliver a high-tech heist with an unlikely crew set on saving the world.
The Initial Thrill: A Promising Start in Venice
“Lift” opens with promise, showcasing Cyrus Whitaker (Hart) and his team executing an art heist in Venice. The team, including master of disguise Denton (Vincent D’Onofrio), pilot Camilla (Úrsula Corberó), and others, pull off a spectacular theft, complete with a speedboat chase.
“The heist is passably entertaining and there’s an actual speedboat chase, filmed on location in Venice.”
A Turn to the Unreal: The Downfall of Production Value
Despite a thrilling beginning, “Lift” soon stumbles into a realm of less convincing production. The super-yacht scene, marked by subpar CGI and studio settings, signals a shift away from realism. This trend continues throughout the film, with soundstage settings and lackluster effects, leading to a disconnect from the promised globe-trotting adventure.
The Plot Unfolds: A High-Stakes Heist in the Skies
The narrative thrust of “Lift” revolves around Cyrus’ team being blackmailed into a new heist. Tasked by agent Huxley (Sam Worthington) to steal gold mid-air from billionaire Lars Jorgensen (Jean Reno), the team devises a plan to hijack an airliner’s radar signature in flight. The concept, while outlandish, holds potential for thrilling action.
Misfires and Missed Opportunities
Despite the exciting premise, “Lift” falls short in execution. Many plot elements and opportunities for tension fail to materialize, leaving parts of the storyline unresolved. The film’s character development and humor also struggle to hit the mark.
Hart’s Misaligned Role and Cast Performance
Kevin Hart’s portrayal of Cyrus deviates from his typical comedic style, aiming for a more subdued, cool demeanor. However, this approach doesn’t quite align with Hart’s natural energy, resulting in a lackluster performance. The cast, including Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Magnussen, D’Onofrio, Worthington, and Reno, grapple with their roles in the shadow of the film’s overall shortcomings.
F. Gary Gray’s Track Record vs. Lift
Director F. Gary Gray, known for successful projects like “The Italian Job” and “Straight Outta Compton,” faces a challenge with “Lift.” The film, in comparison to Gray’s previous works, lacks the vibrancy and originality expected from his direction.
“Lift” sets out to be a glitzy heist film but ends up missing the essence of what makes such movies engaging. With a storyline that fails to captivate and a cast struggling to shine, the film serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing ambition with execution in the high-stakes world of action movies.
