The Lookout (DVD, 2007)

"The Lookout" got overlooked when it was released earlier in the year. This unusual thriller directed and written by Scott Frank focuses as much on character as it does on the tense, moody atmosphere. Chris (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)had it all; he was a bright kid who also displayed talent in the hockey rink. Chris, his girlfriend and another couple are involved in a terrible car accident that leaves Chris brain damaged. He's unable to do anything more than simple tasks and can't even remember what change he should get back after buying a beer.

SPOILERS AHEAD**

When Chris gets sucked into a plan to rip off the bank where he is a janitor by smooth talking slime ball Gary Spargo (Mathew Goode), he finds himself over his head and with nowhere to turn. Initially Chris believes this will provide him with the start up money for a business he wants to start with his blind roommate Lewis (Jeff Daniels)but things spiral out of control and suddenly he has nowhere to turn.

END OF SPOILERS**

The film looks terrific with a crisp and detailed transfer to DVD. Audio sounds solid as well. The main extras we get here are a terrific commentary trackby writer/director Scott Frank discussing the making of the film and a 20 minute featurette that covers much of the same ground with cast and crew interviews. Scott discusses how the script had been shuffled from one studio to another as he watched in frustration eventually deciding he had better do it himself. Frank is rather blunt about his shortcomings as a director in the commentary track but honestly he did a terrific job on his first time in dual roles as writer & director.

We also get a 9 minute featurette with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and director Frank discussing the development of the character of Chris. Gordon-Levitt reveals that he did quite a bit of research prior to shooting the film on the mentality disabled.

You should be on "the lookout" for this fine film which got lost earlier amid some of the other films released at the same time. Although not perfect, "The Lookout" has strong performances and is well made by first time director Frank. I'm not surprised that the film got lost though as it isn't the type to lend itself to the hype machine of Hollywood as easily as, say, "Transformers" or other blockbuster films. "The Lookout" is well worth picking up not only for its well written script and deft direction from Frank but also from the terrific performances of everyone in the cast.

This movie proves why Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an amazing actor. Beautifully shot, and wonderful characters! A must-see...

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is behind one absolutely outstanding performance, accompanied by Jeff Daniels as a blind man.The honest anger and passion riveting from every scene with Gordon-Levitt really makes this crime drama enjoyable. The midwestern farmland setting really adds a taste of realness to an already ingenious masterpiece. My hat is off to you Scott Frank, your first directorial debut is a winner.

I loved this movie. As a TBI (traumatic brain injury) survivor I am very happy with how Chris was portrayed in the movie. I felt that it gives others a small insight into the lives of those with brain trauma and the story was great and full of suspense. Make sure to watch the extras and see the part "In the mind of Chris".
I decided to buy it because it was a really great movie.

I bought this video because I had not seen it before, and it looked interesting. It was an "ok" story line, but it was a good deal. Nothing to "not" like about it.

Very suspensful. Low budget, independent movies are usually the way to go. Jeff Daniels, as usual, is funny. Joe Levitt is very good. A must buy for anyone who is a fan of heist movies.

I like the story in this movie, I love the price I do not dislike anything. I decided to buy this movie because I wanted it.