Star Cast: Kevin Hart, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Vincent D’Onofrio, Úrsula Corberó, Billy Magnussen, Viveik Kalra, Yun Jee Kim
Director: F. Gary Gray
What’s Good?
The film wisely avoids a theatrical release, letting us skip it midway. It’s one of the few redeeming factors, giving viewers a chance to walk away without much regret.
What’s Bad?
Though I had to sit through the entire film for the review, you might want to skip it. It’s not worth sticking around.
Loo Break:
You could easily take a break after just ten minutes. A 90-minute nap would work, and the movie will still be playing when you return.
Watch or Not?
If you’re still asking, you’ve probably missed the point. It’s a no-go.
Plot Overview: A Thief, a Plane, and a Heist Gone Wrong
F. Gary Gray, the director behind hits like The Fate of the Furious and The Italian Job, attempts a high-flying heist in Lift. The story centers around Cyrus (Kevin Hart), a master thief who teams up with his crew and old flame Abby (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) to steal $500 million in gold from a villain named Lars Jorgensen (Jean Reno).
The setup introduces the characters and their plans, but the real problem arises once the action kicks off.
Script Review: A Mess of Clichés
The script feels like a mashup of everything we’ve seen before. Picture a bit of James Bond, some Fast & Furious family dynamics, and a dash of Italian Job—and voilà, you get a jumbled-up mess with no real excitement. The camerawork by Bernhard Jasper sticks to basic shots, adding nothing new to the experience.
Despite introducing an “eco-villain” and throwing around tech jargon, the film struggles to stand out. NFTs and complex terms like “Stewart Platform Stabilizer” are just window dressing for a plot that lacks substance.
Star Performances: Underused Talent
Kevin Hart, known for his comedic chops, isn’t given the right material to shine here. Trying to fit him into a Bond-like role feels like a mistake. He’s criminally underused, with a weak character sketch that doesn’t let him showcase his true potential.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw doesn’t fare much better. Her role as an old flame to Kevin Hart feels lifeless. The chemistry between them is nonexistent, making their history feel forced. The rest of the team members are forgettable, as their roles don’t add any value to the film.
Direction and Music: Missed Opportunities
F. Gary Gray is no stranger to heist films, but Lift doesn’t live up to his earlier work like The Italian Job. He doesn’t even seem to try here. The direction lacks focus, and the pacing feels off throughout.
The music, composed by Dominic Lewis & Guillaume, is a missed opportunity. While they use some classic tracks, the overall score doesn’t set the right tone. The music fails to elevate the story, especially when the scenes themselves are so poorly written.
Final Thoughts: Forgettable and Frustrating
In the end, Lift is a film you won’t remember once you hit the back button on your remote. It lacks the charm and excitement you’d expect from an action-comedy starring Kevin Hart. Don’t waste your time—this one’s easy to forget.
Lift Trailer
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