Decent but not as great as its rating

Rating: 7/10 (7 January 2014)

Lucky Number Slevin takes a familiar take upon past better films such as Pulp Fiction. Involving an intricate, multilayered story structure constructed around a case of mistaken identity, "Lucky Number Slevin," boosted as it is by a former A-list ensemble cast and a heavy dose of intrigue, crosses the unfortunate line between clever and pretentious, rendering itself tiresome long before its heavily built-up denouement. Screenwriter Jason Smilovic's dialogue, which fills characters' mouths with fast-paced exchanges and protracted analogies, has been described in production notes as the film's "heightened language." And while purposefully stylized and unnatural, the affected speech that becomes the pic's hallmark serves to distract from, rather than enhance, the genuinely gripping labyrinth of twists and turns.
At the center of "Lucky Number Slevin's" maelstrom is the eponymous Slevin (Josh Hartnett), whose run of bad luck hits an all-time high the moment he arrives in New York City to stay with his friend Nick (Sam Jaegar). Finding his old buddy's apartment empty, Slevin decides to settle in while awaiting Nick's eventual return. Slevin subsequently is abducted by a set of bodyguards and taken to the penthouse of The Boss (Morgan Freeman), who thinks that Slevin is Nick. It seems that Nick owes The Boss, and The Boss plans to cash in by having Nick -- who is really, of course, poor Slevin -- off the son of a rival. If Nick/Slevin doesn't agree to the deed, he will be the one killed. Returned to the apartment, Slevin is nabbed by a second set of thugs.
Delivered to the penthouse suite of The Rabbi (Ben Kingsley), located directly across the street from The Boss' abode, Slevin is once again thought to be Nick, who is also deep in debt to The Rabbi. Sworn enemies with The Boss, The Rabbi also gives Nick/Slevin the choice to destroy his nemesis or else die himself. Complicating matters is the fact that Slevin is being tracked by a mysterious assassin named Goodkat (Bruce Willis), who is somehow manipulating the not-so coincidental circumstances, as well as an NYC detective (Stanley Tucci) investigating the two crime bosses. Slevin's sole confidant in this muddle is Nick's perky and adventurous neighbor Lindsey (Lucy Liu), whose involvement with her newfound friend takes an intimate turn.
=== As a rewatch 07/13/18' Lucky Number Slevin is quite an interesting watch with a lot of things happening. The film is quite a good mystery type dark comedy thriller and did enjoy it on another watch. Though can still see the flaws within the film that could have made it better.
As we watch the ending unfold and see how everything truly was, a lot of it was predictable in a way though still entertaining. A main reason was due to Josh Hartnett's performance. For a character that was put in many "coincidences" within the film, he didn't play it as someone who was worried or in too deep of situations. He played it cool throughout as if he knew he was never fully in danger. Somewhat confusing in the end with many plot twists though also engaging. Rating changed from 5 to 7.