Lift
Directed by F. Gary Gray
★★
Persons Shown
Kevin Hart, Yun Jee Kim, Jacob Battalion, Úrsula Corberó
Description
LIFT (L to R) Kevin Hart as Cyrus, Yun Jee Kim as Mi-Sun, Jacob Battalion as N8 and Úrsula Corberó as Camila in Lift. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023
Production Still Image
7200 x 3000
Credit
Courtesy of Netflix
Copyright
© 2023 Netflix, Inc.
Netflix’s latest release, Lift, is the latest action-packed thriller from director F. Gary Gray, attempts to take viewers on a high-flying heist adventure that promises excitement but ultimately hits too much turbulence and falls short of delivering a truly gripping experience. In essence, the film follows Kevin Hart’s Cyrus and his crew as they attempt to heist half a billion dollars for Interpol from a jet.
The ensemble cast, featuring talents like Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Vincent D’Onofrio, Úrsula Corberó, Billy Magnussen, Jacob Batalon, Jean Reno, and Sam Worthington, boasts an impressive lineup. However, their collective effort fails to elevate the film beyond its mediocre foundation.
One of the film's few saving graces is Billy Magnussen's performance. Despite the limitations of the script, Magnussen manages to inject a sense of fun into his character, adding a spark to the otherwise lackluster narrative. Gugu Mbatha-Raw, too, puts in a commendable effort, attempting to breathe life into the film. Unfortunately, their talents are overshadowed by a screenplay that lacks originality and fails to capitalize on the potential of its cast.
Director F. Gary Gray, known for his work on acclaimed films like Friday, Set It Off, and Straight Outta Compton, seems to have hit a rough patch with Lift. The film falls short of the director's previous successes in the action genre as well, having previously made more enjoyable forays into the genre with The Italian Job and The Fate of the Furious, making it a disappointment for fans expecting a thrilling ride. The effects, a crucial aspect of any action film set at 40,000 feet, are lackluster, failing to create the immersive experience one would hope for.
The dialogue is horrendous. The exchanges between characters lack depth and fail to generate the tension needed for a successful thriller nor does it help to generate compassion for its characters. Instead of crafting memorable lines that resonate with the audience, the script resorts to clichés and uninspired dialogue, contributing to the overall sense of mediocrity.
Perhaps one of the most significant drawbacks of Lift is its tendency to borrow thematic elements from much better movies. Viewers familiar with the action genre may find themselves recognizing plot points and twists that have been executed more effectively in other films. This lack of originality detracts from the overall impact of Lift and leaves audiences longing for a more innovative and engaging cinematic experience.
In conclusion, while Lift may offer a brief escape for those in need of a mindless diversion, it never amounts to being anything worth more than background noise to play while cleaning the house. Director F. Gary Gray has certainly delivered much better action films in the past, making Lift a disappointing addition to his repertoire. With subpar effects, uninspired dialogue, and a lack of originality, Lift requires a lift itself. A facelift, that is.
