"Lift," Netflix's latest addition to its arsenal of action movies, is as underwhelming as its uninspired title suggests. It fails to break new ground, reminiscent of the platform's previous offerings like "Red Notice" and "The Gray Man." While it's competent and boasts a star-studded cast, the film suffers from a lack of substance and originality.
Directed by F. Gary Gray, known for his work on "Set It Off" and "The Italian Job," "Lift" unfortunately doesn't live up to his past successes. The film revolves around a group of skilled thieves, led by Kevin Hart's character Cyrus, as they attempt to pull off a daring heist on a commercial flight carrying gold bars. The plot feels familiar, rehashing the well-worn trope of a motley crew of con artists embarking on an ambitious heist. Although there are fleeting moments of excitement as the mission grows more complex, the superficial characters and unrealistic special effects diminish its impact, often feeling more like a video game than a cinematic experience.
Kevin Hart steps away from his typical comedic roles to play Cyrus, the mastermind behind the heist. His attempt at a more serious, charming lead is a refreshing change, but the script doesn't provide him with much depth or intrigue. His relationship with Interpol agent Abby Gladwell, portrayed by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, is fraught with awkward flirtations and a lack of chemistry. The narrative forces them together under the orders of Abby's boss, played by Sam Worthington, who finally gets to embrace his Australian roots on screen.
The film’s antagonist, played by Jean Reno, is a wealthy villain transferring gold to terrorists, setting the stage for the high-flying heist. But don't get too caught up in trying to make sense of it all-the plot is merely a vehicle for the ensemble cast to perform their respective roles in the heist. Each character, from the pilot Camila (Úrsula Corberó) to the hacker Mi-Sun (Yun Jee Kim) and the master of disguise Denton (Vincent D’Onofrio), is defined solely by their skill set, leaving them one-dimensional and forgettable. The group’s banter, meant to be light-hearted and witty, often falls flat in uninspired settings with lackluster lighting.
One notable exception is Billy Magnussen's portrayal of safecracker Magnus. His quirky, offbeat performance stands out, bringing a much-needed spark to the film. His character's eccentricity is reminiscent of Brad Pitt’s role in “Burn After Reading,” making viewers wish the rest of the film had followed suit.
However, the excitement of "Lift" is largely manufactured through editing techniques such as fast-paced sequences and montages. The action, primarily consisting of repetitive fistfights on airplanes, quickly becomes monotonous. The film's reliance on these uninspired action sequences contributes to its overall tedium.
In essence, "Lift" might be best suited for an in-flight watch when options are limited and the need for light, undemanding entertainment is high. Despite its
high-profile cast and competent direction, it ultimately feels like just another forgettable entry in Netflix's ever-growing catalog of action films. The movie's lack of depth, character development, and genuine thrills leave much to be desired, making it a passable option for killing time rather than a must-see cinematic experience.
