Director F. Gary Gray’s latest action/crime/comedy, Lift, which stars Kevin Hart, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Sam Worthington, is the kind of film I watched in two different ways. 

I watched the first half while simultaneously busying myself on my phone. I’d probably have been okay with continuing to multitask as the movie played, and considered the film ‘easy-viewing’ that’s ideal for ‘downtime’. However, writer Daniel Kunka’s story about an expert thief plus an intriguing plot to steal $500 million in gold bullion from a moving plane became much more engaging once the key characters were on the flight and doing ‘the job.’

The second half is when much of the cleverness and fun began. Before then, Lift felt like plenty of set-up that wasn’t particularly new. As such, one could get away with only half-watching. 

What just occurred to me right now is that the action sequences in Lift are not quite as memorable after the fact, even though they were engaging as they happened. It’s no wonder then that my favourite moment in Lift is the funny, perfectly acted scene featuring air traffic control’s Harry (David Proud).’ ’Poor Sandra’ (Caroline Loncq) is all I have to say about that.

Give Lift a chance if you’re curious. It’s not the best, but perhaps it’s worth a try for that second half.

Vincent D’Onofrio, Billy Magnussen, Yun Jee Kim, Úrsula Corberó, Jean Reno, Viveik Kalra, Burn Gorman and Martina Avogadri also star.

Happy Film Loving,

G