Man on a Ledge: A Taut Thriller or a High-Rise Heist Gone Wrong?
Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington), an escaped convict, is threatening to jump from the ledge of a New York City hotel. Lydia Anderson (Elizabeth Banks), a police psychologist and negotiator, is brought in to talk him down. Unbeknownst to the authorities and the gathered crowd, Cassidy’s brother (Jamie Bell) is executing a daring heist at a vault across the street, using the commotion as a distraction.
The premise echoes the 1951 film “Fourteen Hours,” where Richard Basehart teetered on a ledge while a compassionate cop tried to reason with him. “Man on a Ledge” feels like a modern update, swapping Basehart for Worthington and the cop for Banks, while adding a complex web of subplots. The most prominent of these is a heist unfolding simultaneously, reminiscent of a classic caper film.
Ledge Drama vs. Heist Thrills
While “Fourteen Hours” and similar films like “The Price of Passion” (a segment from “Cat’s Eye”) focused intensely on the psychological drama of the ledge situation, “Man on a Ledge” quickly reveals its hand. With Worthington in the lead, it’s clear that:
- a) He’s not really suicidal.
- b) He’ll eventually leave the ledge.
- c) Someone else might end up taking a fall.
Even as Banks’ character tries to connect with the troubled (yet undeniably attractive) Cassidy, the film’s attention shifts to the other storylines. “Man on a Ledge” becomes a busy thriller, juggling a corrupt billionaire (Ed Harris), a former partner of Cassidy’s (Anthony Mackie), and an internal affairs investigation.
The Vault: Where the Real Action Is
Perhaps the biggest issue is that the ledge itself feels less compelling than the diamond vault across the street. Genesis Rodriguez, clad in lingerie and a catsuit reminiscent of Emma Peel from “The Avengers,” navigates air ducts in a “Mission: Impossible” style heist, aided by Jamie Bell. The plot is more convoluted than clever, filled with high-tech heist movie clichés that seemingly didn’t make the cut for “Tower Heist.”
Despite its flaws, “Man on a Ledge” is a competently made film with engaging characters. It’s the kind of movie you can enjoy with popcorn, provided you suspend your disbelief.
Standout Performances
Ed Harris shines as the diamond-obsessed villain, but Genesis Rodriguez may have the most promising future. She brings both sex appeal and comedic talent to her role.