Lucky Number Slevin is the kind of film that if smart enough, you can predict its conclusion. What you cannot predict is the ride that Director Paul McGuigan will take you through along with an excellent cast. Along with Thank you For Smoking, this film has one of the more impressive casts in a while. The actors include, Josh Hartnett, Stanley Tucci, Ben Kingsley, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and Lucy Liu. The lead star is actually the youngest of all of them and that is Josh Hartnett.
If anyone ever had doubts that Hartnett doesn't have what it takes to be a solid actor than this film will certainly change their mind. We are not talking about an oscar caliber performance, but we are talking about a decent enough one. Hartnett plays Slevin, a man who is mistaken for another man by the name of Nick Fisher who owes The Boss played by Freeman and The Rabbi played by Kingsley a chunk of money. Slevin just happens to be at Fishers apartment at the wrong time and this is how it all commences.
When Lucy Liu's character is introduced, there is some fantastic dialogue with herself and Hartnett's character. Its directed with a swift pace and a score that is catchy and actually kind of cartoonish, but it works. It works because this is a crime film and a humorous one at that. Written by Jason Smilovic, this film is memorable for its many great quotes. Not only that, but the dialogue is humorous and the actors are effective in making that happen. Lindsey and Slevin are two unique people who find attraction beyond other things for one another.
This film is also rated R for a reason, there is a good amount of violence and bad language. Thats usually the case for a crime film and its definitely a good thing Hollywood didn't destroy this film and make it a PG-13, it would have never worked. Most of the violence comes from the assassin Mr. Goodkat who is played by Bruce Willis. This is the kind of role that Willis is heavily known for. He has a calm and menacing feel to him everytime he is placed in one of these roles.
Lucky Number Slevin is directed by Paul McGuigan who elevates situations in the film by having flashbacks. In the first half of this film, Hartnett is narrating stories to Lindsey in what has happened to him. By doing so, this drives fascination to the viewer of knowing what is going to happen next. Thats one of this films strengths, the viewer will always want to know what is going to happen next, but if it concludes on a low note than it can become disappointing for some.
Even with some flaws, McGuigan's intense directing and ability to glue the audiences eyes to the screen is impressive. This is the type of directing that an established director does, not an amateur one. This is also the second feature in which this director has had Hartnett in the lead, the other film being Wicker Park. Its safe to say this is McGuigan's better film. He has an eye for being unique and for letting the characters create their own story, because that is whats happening in this film. The characters are fully developed and each of them have a different personality.
Lucky Number Slevin is original in many ways and if the films story isn't all that strong, than the characters are sure to get you involved. The conclusion to this film can be predictable, but can also be shocking to those who don't catch the clues. The puzzle fits together smoothly and can show the human side of criminals. Either way, what you have here is a film that is driven by focus on character. By this being done, we are almost inside the characters minds. Lucky Number Slevin is entertaining, funny, brutal and may even have some emotionally involved.
