LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN - Film Review 11/3/06

Like a lot of things, I got around to seeing this because I'd seen the trailer and thought it looked pretty good and I wasn't wrong. A fine cast - headed in the lead with Josh Hartnett and Lucy Liu as a pretty good double-act hold things together for the other's played by Ben Kingsley (Notice I say Ben Kingsley and not SIR - He's a fine actor and has done some excellent work but sorry luvvie; this affectation for being called Sir all the time is a little sad - Your a grown man and need to act like one!) with icy hitman Mr. Goodkat played by Bruce Willis weaving in and out of the story. Stanley Tucci plays a world weary policeman who is trying to sort through all the mess being left behind. Lastly Morgan Freeman brings some much-needed but softly-spoken class to the ensemble. But in this thriller what you see doesn't mean what actually happened and what may look like throw-away lines lead to something else entirely. The script is pretty taut with amusing one-liners and fairly memorable phrases with a smart turn of conversation(s). What start's out as a fairly light thriller twists into a shocking ending with a number of turns you may or may not get unless you watch closely from the opening titles to the end - Because nothing is as it seems and although I picked up on one plot point early on, other parts threw me. It get's rather visceral in several places; so this probably with the language, gave it it's 18 certificate. Suffice to say if I say anymore it'll give the whole game away - So watch this enticing thriller and make your own mind up. I certainly felt satisfied with the whole experience and the fantastic cast don't disappoint for a second.