I recently watched "Lift" on Netflix, and I have to say, it's an interesting take on the heist movie genre, set uniquely in the sky. The movie revolves around a group of thieves who decide to pull off a daring heist on a plane, which really caught my attention because, who thinks of robbing a plane while it's flying?
The action scenes in "Lift" are probably its strongest suit. There's a certain thrill in watching characters navigate through a plane, fighting, and jumping around in ways that are both breathtaking and, admittedly, a bit hard to believe. The choreography of the fight sequences and the stunts felt well put together, giving that adrenaline rush you expect from an action movie. There's this one scene where they're literally hanging off the plane, which, while a bit over the top, was visually stunning and kept me glued to the screen.
Humor is another aspect where "Lift" shines to some extent. The characters share a camaraderie that feels genuine, leading to some funny moments. There's this banter among the thieves which, at times, reminded me of the playful exchanges in other heist comedies. However, not all the humor landed for me; some of the jokes felt forced or didn't quite fit the tense moments they were placed in.
Visually, "Lift" is quite appealing. The movie takes you through various locations before the main event, and the settings, especially the plane interior, are designed with an eye for detail that makes the environment almost a character in itself. They've managed to create this sense of space and confinement simultaneously, which is pivotal for the tension of the heist.
However, "Lift" isn't without its flaws. One of the biggest letdowns for me was the predictability of the plot. I found myself guessing the twists and turns too easily, which takes away from the excitement. Heist movies thrive on the element of surprise, and while "Lift" has its moments, it doesn't do enough to keep you guessing. The story felt like it was following a formula I've seen before, just with a different backdrop.
The characters in "Lift" are another area where the movie could have done better. While the actors do a decent job with what they're given, the characters themselves lack depth. I didn't get a strong sense of why each person was there, what drove them to risk their lives for this heist, or what they hoped to gain beyond the obvious financial reward. There's little to no backstory or development, making it hard to feel invested in their success or failure. They're more like caricatures of the roles they play - the tech genius, the muscle, the brains, etc., without much personality beyond their skills.
Moreover, some aspects of the plot require a significant suspension of disbelief. The logistics of pulling off such a heist in the air, with all the security measures modern planes have, seemed glossed over. It's fun to watch, sure, but there were moments where I couldn't help but think, "That's not how that would work." This isn't a deal-breaker, but it did pull me out of the movie's world from time to time.
Despite these criticisms, "Lift" wasn't a bad watch. It's entertaining in its own right, particularly if you're in the mood for something light-hearted with a lot of action. It's the kind of movie you can enjoy without needing to engage your brain too much, which can be exactly what you're looking for after a long day.
I also appreciated how "Lift" managed to keep the pacing brisk. There's never a dull moment; even when the plot isn't advancing in complexity, there's always something happening on screen to keep your attention. This made it easier to overlook some of the more superficial elements of the storyline.
In terms of performances, the cast did what was expected of them. The lead actors had good chemistry, which helped in selling the light-hearted moments of the film. However, there wasn't a standout performance that would make me remember this movie for its acting.
To wrap it up, "Lift" is a fun watch if you're into action comedies with a heist twist. It doesn't redefine the genre but provides enough entertainment for a casual viewing. I wouldn't say it's a must-watch, but if you're scrolling through Netflix looking for something to pass the time with some laughs and cool action, "Lift" might just do the trick. I'd give it a 3 out of 5 stars - it's enjoyable but forgettable, lacking the depth or innovation to make it memorable. However, for what it sets out to be, it's an okay movie night choice.