'Lift' Review | Kevin Hart's predictable action-comedy film is a one-time watch
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Lift' a heist movie featuring Kevin Hart, has just landed on Netflix. The film is directed by F Gary Gray, best known for directing 'The Italian Job' (2003) and 'The Fate of the Furious' (2017).
Cyrus Whitaker (Kevin Hart) is a conman and thief who steals high-profile artwork from around the world. He has a perfect team comprising a hacker, a pilot, a safecracker, and an engineer.
Their escapades get endangered when Agent Gladwell aka Abby, an Interpol agent, tracks them down for their crimes. However, they can get away with all the charges if they help Interpol by pulling off a heist as part of a mission for national security.
Kevin Hart starrer 'Lift' is a predictable plot
The premise is set and Cyrus, along with his crew plans out the one-of-its-kind heist. However, if you have seen enough heist stories, you would know what to expect.
An unachievable target, the making of a perfect plan, hiccups dealt with by genius minds, unexpected life-threatening encounters on D-day and finally making out alive with millions in their pockets.
'Lift' mirrors the classic heist movie formula, staying true to the tried-and-true plot structure seen in many Netflix films. And let's not overlook the romantic subplot, because yes, 'Lift' has that too.
The chemistry between cast members keeps you engaged
What worked for me was the chemistry of the actors with each other. Be it Hart and Gugu Mbatha-Raw's sweet romance or the camaraderie that the crew shared, everyone played their parts well.
However, Hart's casting may come out as a little disappointing at some points. He, who is portrayed as the mastermind of impressive heists, doesn't leave a lasting impression. However, he brings in the comic relief that would otherwise make the film mundane.
Mbatha-Raw is pleasant to the eyes as her character progresses. Ursula Corbero, known for playing the iconic character of Tokyo in 'Money Heist', comes out as a strong partner-in-crime who holds the fort till the very end.
Billy Magnussen as Magnus, Kim Yoon-ji as Mi-Sun, and Viveik Kalra as Luke have limited screen time. Vincent D'Onofrio as Denton makes us smile every time he appears on the screen.