Man On A Ledge (2012)

Another year and another disappointing film based on a high concept title. Yes, unfortunately this film is simply about a man on a ledge, they've tried to spice it up by adding a layer of conspiracy causing him to be there, with a side plot where his brother and brother's girlfriend attempt to break into a vault to prove his innocence, but ultimately a lot of the action consists of the will he won't he jump question, which of course we all know he won't, as that would make the film very short indeed. Sam Worthington, Jamie Bell and Elizabeth Banks star, and to be honest, with that cast I don't really know why I was expecting more. Elizabeth Banks is good comedy actress, and whilst she isn't dreadful here, she's hardly mind blowing as the troubled agent. Jamie Bell started his career on a high with the wonderful Billy Elliott, had a couple of interesting roles like that in Chumscrubber, but then started making films like Jumper and The Eagle, and unfortunately was probably the worst thing about Tintin (though Tintin was always the least likeable character in the books so that may not be his fault), so this feels like another let down in a promising career. Sam Worthington I struggle with, he just doesn't really seem to have much personality really.

Anyway, we also have Ed Harris being the big bad, and Edward Burns, who is probably the best character in this film. It's not that the film is terrible, it's not The Darkest Hour for example.. It is however, quite dull. When you restrict the action to a window ledge for large portions of the film, you need to make what's happening, or at least the characters emotions interesting. Instead we get the same themes rehashed in numerous different ways, in a predictable script and with very little character development for you to care about.

You may argue that the cut aways to Jamie Bell and co are where the real action lies, but what you get there is admittedly better than watching a man stand on a ledge, but is fairly standard action stuff, with unnecessary women in their underwear and tension between the two characters to make it seem like something deeper is going on. It's not.

Unfortunately Man On a Ledge is a Bore, it should be a taught action thriller, but I seriously doubt if this film would thrill anyone.