DVD REVIEW: MAN ON A LEDGE

4/5

On the ledge of your seats.

12A, 102 Minutes. Starring: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Anthony Mackie, Jamie Bell, Edward Burns, Ed Harris, William Sadler & Génesis Rodríguez. Director: Asger Leth. Screenplay: Pablo Fenjves

'Man On A Ledge' may have a 'Snakes On A Plane' obvious title, but it's more than a film that does exactly what it says on the tin or police code name. As Sam Worthington's lead steps out and treads the fine line between attempting suicide and making a statement; what we have is a tension-confined, perfectly executed building gripping drama that takes the 'Collateral' confides of 'Phone Booth' to 'Tower Heist' heights.

Here's the tipping point. If you have been put off by this film and haven't made the jump yet let me pull you back in. This crime thriller has all the trappings of a great one-off entertaining movie of blockbuster proportions. From epic shots of the stunning supporting character that is the city of New York, to edge of your seat, twists, turns and genuine thrills and spills; you'll be left guessing with a mouth open right to the thrilling conclusions.

Trust me this is one of the biggest and most pleasant surprise films of 2012 so far. Like the previous thrilling thriller this movie goes 'Haywire' offering us strong substance beyond the hype and buzz. To reveal too much would be to lead you on a trail that spoils more than the trailer so just trust us on this one; you do want to do this.

Coming off being a start-studded franchise pick for the 'Terminator' and 'Clash Of The Titans' (more 'Wrath' coming soon) series' Sam Worthington ascends more with this descent. Some call him a poor man's DiCaprio but Worthington proves his worth beyond another cliched comparison stepping forward as his own man. The rising talent of Elizabeth Banks also stands in our leading man's way as her cop character tries to talk him down. Elizabeth banks herself another great job. While Jamie Bell once again steps out of his 'Billy Elliott' ballet shoes to show he can dance to any part, this time teaming up with the gorgeous and genuinely talented Génesis Rodríguez.

The stellar, star-studded, sublime cast doesn't end there. From William Sadler's concern, to Edward Burns cool, laid-back outside interest cop, everyone steps it up with their contributions. Ed Harris makes a convincingly cold villain rich with evil while the next Terrance Howard; Anthony Mackie offers another dynamic dimension to this structure. The man that stole the show in 'The Adjustment Bureau' shows he can speak and stand with the rest with his classic leading man bound talents. This guy sure is a star for the the future...one that belongs in the high-rises.

Sure this towering epic is one hell of a tall tale, but it has grounded scripting and a great story arc that rises the tension and the guessing games throughout the three acts. This has all the Hollywood hallmarks of classic thrillers set in N.Y.C. It's core audience should belong to those who miss modern movies with an original story. It's been standing alone for some time now but this man on the ledge of a skyscraper makes for a perfect Friday night popcorn movie. You better catch it before it's too late. TIM DAVID HARVEY.