In 2020, I watched and reviewed (or somewhat eviscerated) the so-bad-it’s-funny action/heist film Money Plane. A low-budget work of incompetency so egregious not even Kelsey Grammer could save the movie, despite his best efforts. It is one of the lowest-ranking films I have reviewed and remains the No.1 spot on my Top 5 Worst Films of 2020.
Being the creative type I am, shortly after witnessing that train wreck, I pondered what a good version of that movie would be like. Then, one night, as I scrolled through Netflix, I came across today's subject, Lift. It is a heist movie that is not only a prime example of Money Plane done right, it is a fun, lovingly crafted good time. Almost every aspect of the film oozes passion and enjoyment with a tight script, entertaining performances, and a sense of direction that knows how to convey depth and utilize the power of suggestion. It may hit all the beats of a standard heist movie, but at least Hit has a fun time doing so, and because of that, we get to have fun alongside it.
The story follows a master thief named Cyrus (Kevin Hart-yes, THAT Kevin Hart) and his team of successful thieves caught by Interpol after a successful heist. Rather than being taken straight to prison, they are offered an alternative. A ruthless crime lord named Jorgensen (Jean Reno) plans to purchase a dangerous tech weapon with the power to control virtually anything, granting him the power to manipulate the world however he sees fit. Interpol has it on good authority that Jorgensen plans to “legally” purchase the weapon with half a billion dollars worth of gold, which will be transported from London to Zurich via plane. Cyrus and his team have seventeen days to form a plan to make the gold disappear, allowing Interpol the opportunity to bring Jorgensen down in exchange for immunity. It would be the most fantastic and most dangerous lift of their lives, assuming they were up to the task.
Yes, the movie hits almost every beat you would expect from any given heist movie: planning montages, last-minute complications, etc. But the movie does a fantastic job of hitting those beats with a sense of fun. It is as if the movie knows how much these elements have been seen and played out before but still chooses to be cheerful and excited about it. Because the characters are having such a good time, the audience is invited to join the fun, resulting in an experience that feels familiar but fresh.
Kevin Hart is the surprising stand out of the film. His comedic talents often land him goofball roles that, while entertaining in their way, don’t provide much opportunity to stretch and expand one’s abilities. Kevin showcases a level of performance I hadn’t seen from him before, and it’s delightful to watch. Yes, he still has his great sense of comedic timing, but he also gets to be more subtle and nuanced in this role. I can’t wait to see what Kevin Hart may have for us.
The script is the ultimate driving force of any movie, and the writing for Lift is proof of concept. Penned by Daniel Kunka, the script features sharp & witty dialogue, textured characters, and plot beats that hit their mark in delightful ways. In addition to offering a fun experience, it also takes the opportunity to mention some relevant and vital issues—namely, the ever-present problem of systemic racism. The film does a spectacular job of raising these issues subtly, leaving a lingering impression that doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the experience. While Daniel Kunka doesn’t yet have many more writing credits, I hope to see more of his work soon.
Lift may not change your life in any profound way, but it does deliver a solid premise with likable characters and incredible entertainment value. My only regret is not watching & reviewing this movie back in January when it was initially released. If you have Netflix, please add this to your watchlist. It is well worth the subscription.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
