Decent lightweight thriller

Rating: 7/10 (27 August 2006)

I've got to admit that I always enjoy a well put together little thriller, and while Lucky Number Slevin is far from brilliant; it's a constantly entertaining and quirky little thriller that managers to keep you guessing while delivering a lot to have a good laugh at. The quirky comedy styling is what really makes the film what it is, as Jason Smilovic's screenplay revels in its one-liners, which receive good feedback from the casual nature of the screenplay, which manages to stay relaxed in spite of the high number of plot twists. The film sets itself up very well through a barrage of seemingly unconnected events that prove to have a greater significance later on. Towards the start, we see Bruce Willis' cold assassin break the neck of a stranger in a waiting area, a number of people killed and, most importantly, a man named Slevin that arrives at his friend's flat after a barrage of bad luck. He soon hooks up with the girl next door, before being dragged off in his towel to see the local mob boss, who having mistaken him for his friend; requests a favour for the money owed to him.
The film takes obvious influence from the many 'cool' crime flicks, headlined by the films of Quentin Tarantino. That being said, Paul McGuigan's film appears to realise that it is, in fact, lightweight fluff and this is an asset for the movie as it never tries to be too deep and allows it audience just to have fun with the audacious plot. The film does well in lulling its audience into a false sense of security, as every time we think we know what is going on; the rug is pulled from under, and there's another twist to enjoy. Sometimes this can be annoying, but since Lucky Number Slevin is so irrelevant in its plot and execution, it's more fun to simply believe everything that is thrown at you and enjoy the ride. The film benefits from a good cast of well known stars. Josh Hartnett is good in the 'good looking guy' role, while Lucy Liu is cute enough as the girl next door. Morgan Freeman and Sir Ben Kingsley sleepwalk through their respective roles, and the central cast is rounded off a cool turn from Bruce Willis as a sinister hit-man. Overall, I'm pretty sure I won't remember Slevin for long; but it's good while you're watching it, and provides decent entertainment.