Although audience expectations for “Man on a Ledge” are probably pretty low, it’s a surprisingly engaging thriller. It grabs your attention from the start and when it’s over, you’ll say, ‘That was good.’ A falsely accused man, Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington), released from prison on a one-day pass, escapes, takes a room in a high-end New York hotel and steps out onto the ledge, threatening to kill himself. As Nick tells his story to hostage negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks), we discover that a corrupt millionaire businessman, David Englander (Ed Harris), framed Nick for the theft of a 40 carat diamond. And while Nick draws attention to himself, Nick’s brother, Joey (Jamie Bell) and Joey’s girlfriend, Angie (Genesis Rodriguez) are busy breaking into Englander’s building across the street. Along the way we also learn that corrupt cops are on Englander’s payroll.
Director Asger Leth emphasizes the media-circus that ensues with Kyra Sedgwick’s obvious ratings-minded, Anglo television reporter named Suzie Morales and the callous mob mentality that prompts many to yell, ‘Jump!’ while others snap pictures on their cell phones and wait for the macabre to happen. Especially effective are Elizabeth Banks and Genesis Rodriguez, which is interesting considering this is a macho-type movie. Of course, there are a lot of coincidences and cops shooting in public places, but if you suspend enough disbelief, you won’t be bothered while you’re watching. 1/28/12
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