“Lift (2024): A High-Flying Heist That Struggles to Reach New Heights
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Lift (2024): A High-Flying Heist That Struggles to Reach New Heights
"Lift," the 2024 Netflix action-comedy heist film directed by F. Gary Gray, promises a thrilling ride through the skies with a charismatic crew of international thieves. Led by the smooth-talking Cyrus Whitaker (Kevin Hart), the team is tasked with intercepting a $500 million gold shipment mid-flight to prevent it from funding a terrorist attack. While the premise is undeniably enticing and the cast boasts impressive talent, "Lift" ultimately struggles to deliver on its potential, weighed down by a predictable plot, uneven pacing, and a lack of genuine originality.
Synopsis:
Cyrus Whitaker is the mastermind behind an elite team of art thieves known for their audacious heists and meticulous planning. They operate with a code of ethics, targeting only those who deserve it and leaving no innocent bystanders harmed. The team includes Cyrus’s ex-girlfriend and expert forger, Abby Gladwell (Gugu Mbatha-Raw); the tech-savvy Denton (Vincent D’Onofrio); the master of disguise, Camila (Úrsula Corberó); the strongman, Magnus (Billy Magnussen); and the pilot, Luke (Viveik Kalra).
Their world is turned upside down when Interpol agent Huxley (Sam Worthington) coerces them into a mission that could save countless lives. A notorious terrorist organization, led by Lars Jorgensen (Jean Reno), is planning to use a massive gold shipment to finance a devastating attack. The only way to stop them is to intercept the gold while it’s being transported on a commercial flight from London to Zurich.
Cyrus and his crew must devise an elaborate plan to infiltrate the flight, overcome unexpected obstacles, and outsmart both the terrorists and Interpol, all while navigating personal tensions and past betrayals. The stakes are high, and the fate of the world may rest on their ability to pull off the ultimate mid-air heist.
The Allure of the Heist Genre:
"Lift" taps into the enduring appeal of the heist genre, a cinematic tradition that dates back to classic films like "Rififi" and "Topkapi." The genre’s formula is simple yet effective: assemble a team of specialists, devise an intricate plan, execute the plan with precision, and overcome unexpected challenges. Heist films offer a vicarious thrill, allowing audiences to revel in the audacity and ingenuity of the criminals while rooting for them to succeed against seemingly insurmountable odds.
"Lift" attempts to capitalize on this formula by presenting a diverse and skilled team of thieves, each with their unique talents and quirks. The film also incorporates elements of globe-trotting adventure, taking viewers from the canals of Venice to the skies above Europe. The combination of high-stakes action, intricate planning, and exotic locales is designed to create a captivating and entertaining experience.
Strengths:
- Charismatic Cast: The ensemble cast is undoubtedly one of the film’s greatest assets. Kevin Hart brings his signature energy and comedic timing to the role of Cyrus Whitaker, though at times it feels like a slightly toned-down version of his usual persona. Gugu Mbatha-Raw provides a strong and capable presence as Abby Gladwell, balancing her professional expertise with her complicated romantic history with Cyrus. The supporting cast, including Vincent D’Onofrio, Úrsula Corberó, Billy Magnussen, and Viveik Kalra, each bring their own distinct personalities to their respective roles, creating a sense of camaraderie and teamwork within the crew. Jean Reno adds gravitas as the villainous Lars Jorgensen, though his role is somewhat limited.
- Visual Spectacle: "Lift" boasts impressive visuals, particularly during the aerial sequences. The film makes effective use of CGI and practical effects to create a sense of realism and excitement as the team executes their mid-air heist. The cinematography captures the beauty of the various locations, adding to the film’s overall sense of adventure.
- Occasional Moments of Wit: While the humor in "Lift" is not consistently sharp, there are moments of genuine wit and clever banter between the characters. The film occasionally pokes fun at heist movie tropes, adding a layer of self-awareness to the proceedings.
Weaknesses:
- Predictable Plot: One of the most significant drawbacks of "Lift" is its predictable plot. The film follows a familiar heist movie formula, hitting all the expected beats along the way. There are few genuine surprises or unexpected twists, making the viewing experience somewhat underwhelming. The film relies heavily on clichés and tropes, which detracts from its originality and impact.
- Uneven Pacing: The pacing of "Lift" is uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag on for too long. The film spends too much time setting up the heist and introducing the characters, leaving insufficient time to develop the relationships between them and explore the emotional stakes of the mission. The action sequences are generally well-executed, but they are often interspersed with lengthy exposition dumps that slow down the momentum.
- Lack of Genuine Originality: "Lift" borrows heavily from other heist films, without adding anything particularly new or innovative to the genre. The film’s plot, characters, and set pieces are all reminiscent of previous heist movies, making it feel like a derivative and uninspired effort. While "Lift" offers some fun moments, it fails to distinguish itself from the many other heist films that have come before it.
- Underdeveloped Characters: While the cast is talented, the characters in "Lift" are underdeveloped and lack depth. The film provides only superficial glimpses into their backgrounds and motivations, making it difficult to connect with them on an emotional level. The romantic subplot between Cyrus and Abby feels forced and unconvincing, and the other characters are largely relegated to supporting roles with little agency of their own.
- Inconsistent Tone: The tone of "Lift" is inconsistent, oscillating between lighthearted comedy and serious action. The film struggles to strike a balance between these two elements, resulting in a jarring and uneven viewing experience. Some scenes are played for laughs, while others are intended to be suspenseful and dramatic. However, the tonal shifts are often abrupt and jarring, making it difficult to fully invest in the story.
- Questionable Logic and Plausibility: Like many heist films, "Lift" requires a certain suspension of disbelief. However, the film often pushes the boundaries of plausibility, particularly during the heist sequence itself. The team’s ability to infiltrate the flight, manipulate the passengers, and overcome security measures stretches credulity to the breaking point. While some level of implausibility is expected in a heist film, "Lift" often crosses the line into outright absurdity.
Themes:
Despite its flaws, "Lift" touches on several themes, including:
- Redemption: Cyrus and his crew are given a chance to redeem themselves by using their skills for good. They are offered an opportunity to atone for their past crimes and make a positive impact on the world.
- Teamwork: The film emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration. The crew must rely on each other’s strengths and overcome their individual weaknesses in order to succeed.
- Trust: Trust is a central theme in "Lift." The characters must learn to trust each other, even when they have reason to doubt each other’s motives.
- The Greater Good: The film suggests that sometimes it is necessary to break the law in order to achieve a greater good. The crew is willing to risk their own freedom and safety in order to prevent a terrorist attack.
Overall Impression:
"Lift" is a watchable but ultimately forgettable heist film. It offers some entertaining moments and boasts a charismatic cast, but it is ultimately weighed down by a predictable plot, uneven pacing, and a lack of genuine originality. The film’s reliance on clichés and tropes detracts from its impact, and its underdeveloped characters make it difficult to connect with them on an emotional level. While "Lift" may appeal to fans of the heist genre, it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression. It’s a decent way to spend a couple of hours if you’re looking for some light entertainment, but don’t expect a groundbreaking or memorable cinematic experience. The film is more of a passable diversion than a truly thrilling adventure.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.