New York Movie with an L. A. Feel...

Rating: 8/10 (6 November 2006)

That seems to be the best way to describe this particular film. I've thought about it for days, and that really seems to be the best.
Lucky Number Slevin comes out of the gates strong and never really lets up.
Slevin's New York-ness comes from its location (no-brainer, guys), which while self evident is important. Movies that are set in New York always have a certain urban panache that is unrivaled. While its true that I couldn't find (or remember) and proof that the city in Slevin is in fact New York (shot in Montreal), it still looks and feels like New York. Subject also plays a role, as the gangster motif can't help but invoke feelings of the New York mob scene.
Art direction take the film across the continental us, and leaves it firmly in L.A. Visually, the movie feels more like the Elmore Leonard movies than anything else. Pacing, interior decoration and the humour all seem to have the west coast feel, standing in contrast to the east coast elements.
This in no way detracts form the movie, which is by far one of the better films I can remember watching recently. Some people don't like the surprise plots, where the clues add up and the twist is revealed. Some people figure it out to early, some people never figure it out at all. I think if you don't try to hard, though, this film does the twist well. Sit back, and enjoy the show. Follow along, but try not to jump the gun. I think it'll be more fun that way.
Technically, this film plays out well. Some of the camera work is superb, a bit noir by times, but not always static and close. The interior sets are sumptuous and stylized, but not to the point of absurdity. Bold prints and vibrant colors dominate, making the film a really beauty visually.
Cast, lead by Hartnett, is fantastic. His performance is spot on. Cool, calm and collected, with just the hind of stupid innocence that makes the whole character work. Kingsley and Freeman bring years of experience to their character. Watching such seasoned actors is alway a joy. Liu is good in her role as romantic interest, and Willis is picture perfect as a contract killer.
This is one of those movies that I just can't not like. This film is excellent on several levels. Dialogue is good, production value is high, set design, cast, camera...
I haven't quite got my new, reformed rating system off the ground yet, but it will involve a series criteria for a film that will influence the final mark depending on how well the film meets them. I think that this one would do well by any set, although I heard form some that it was two violent. I don't agree, but hey...
My girlfriend loved it, talked about it for days.
Must see for fans of the genre, Great movie all around.