Lucky Number Slevin

[acidic_liquid]

I managed to avoid reading reviews for this movie because I find they always tend to ruin the experience for me. However, I did manage to read excerpts from a few well-known critics that said this movie had a convoluted plot.I saw the movie anyway, thinking it would be a challenge to understand the story.

The very first thing I noticed was that the opening credits sequence did not much the mood of the trailer: a comedic, hip, modern movie. Instead, the opening actually is more of a foreshadowing, ominous music and all. I squirmed in my seat, a little uncomfortable, thinking how this movie might be going to great lengths to be something it's not.

Thankfully, the mood changes right at the first scene. The cinematography is striking here, and throughout the movie there are interesting angles and camera work. Bruce Willis, as Mr. Goodkat, approaches a man waiting in the terminal and tells him a story. And it isn't until after this fairly lengthy scene that we are introduced to the other characters.

I'm not a fan of Josh Hartnett at all, and I'm not even sure why. But I actually found him quite likeable in this movie. His Slevin has great comedic timing and is entertaining. Also, he has great chemistry with Lindsey (Lucy Liu), the girl that lives next door and gets caught up in this mob mystery, who gives a quirky, captivating performance. It's mainly through them that I start to notice the great, witty dialogue. There are quite a few great lines in this film.

Eventually, Slevin is rather forcefully taken to meet the two mob bosses. One, The Boss (Morgan Freeman) is actually fairly light hearted. You can't really tell what kind of dark secret he is hiding. The other, The Rabbi (Sir Ben Kingsley)--called this naturally, because he is a rabbi-- is seemingly more tense and evidently more serious than his foil. Of course, these characters are given many dimensions by Freeman and Kingsley, both very talented actors.

About halfway through the movie, I realize the plot isn't convoluted at all. The film, in a way, creates a formula for itself in how the plot develops. I won't say as I don't want to ruin the movie for anyone, but it's not too complicated actually. And, this formula actually sets up interesting twists in the end.

This movie is being compared to others like "Snatch." While it doesn't have Guy Ritchie's fast-paced, stylish directing, this film holds its own. It has its own style and its own pace. The movie likes to show us that it knows what it's doing and where it's going.

I still don't understand those other reviews. I was expecting a movie that would be almost impossible to understand, like many arthouse films. I'm disappointed by their reviews, but thouroughly impressed by the movie. Which, I'm sure, is better for me.

[Chewy]

so what is it gonna be 8/10 6/10 ????

[acidic_liquid]

I gave it a 4/5 on Flixster haha.

[FeelGood]

i'll be watching this one tonight and will post my comments.