‘Man on a Ledge’

The screening of Man on a Ledge last night got me thinking, this is a film that Alfred Hitchcock would really have enjoyed making. After all, the movie features so many Hitchcockian elements, such as an innocent man accused of a crime, dubious characters who operate in the gray area of life, an attractive and calm blonde woman, and plenty of suspense that results from the main character’s life being repeatedly placed at risk. Yet, even with all of those elements present, you must also have an audience that is emotionally invested in the main character and, thankfully so, Man on a Ledge succeeds in drawing them in.

The film details the attempt of an ex-cop/ex-con, Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington), to prove his innocence by resorting to drastic measures. Nick decides to threaten to jump from a twenty story building unless he is able to speak with Detective Lydia Anderson (Elizabeth Banks), who he believes can help clear his name. Even after Anderson arrives, Nick stalls his decision to jump while he is communicating with his brother, Joey (Jaime Bell), who is working alongside his sexy fiance, Angie (Génesis Rodríguez), to try to locate the diamond that Nick was framed for stealing. Meanwhile, rogue members of the police force are working with David Englander (Ed Harris), a duplicitous business man who initially accused Nick of the diamond theft. With time running out, Nick must make life changing decisions, which are made somewhat easier with the unexpected help that he receives in his ongoing effort to prove his innocence.

If I had to nitpick, it would be over one small thing, Nick’s accent, as there are a few instances where he drops his American accent.

Overall, Man on a Ledge is a solid thriller that will hold your attention, while making you repeatedly squirm in your seat.

Erik

Man on a Ledge opens on January 27th, in the US.