Movies

Charisma and the promise of adventure are the joys of heist movies and so we forgive their unbelievable coincidences and implausible scenarios. Man on a Ledge is light on both charisma and adventure despite an intriguing premise and a solid cast, and therefore every improbable, formulaic moment glares on screen.

Escaped convict Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) steps out onto the ledge of New York's Roosevelt Hotel and threatens to jump. As he paces anxiously, straight-shooting detective Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) is sent to negotiate him down.

When revelations about Nick's past past come to light, it becomes apparent a larger scheme is at work as his brother Joey (Jamie Bell) and his va-va-voom girlfriend Angie (Genesis Rodriguez) undertake a fumbling scheme to steal an asteroid-sized diamond from a building across the street.
Worthington is comfortable as the rough-around-the-edges wronged hero (although he can't seem to contain that Aussie twang), and Banks surprises playing against type.

However, nothing can save the film from its underwhelming lack of tension, predictable twists and generic characterisations. While we're asked to believe in Nick's desperation we're never convinced he'll jump.

The acrobatic antics of Joey and Angie are entertaining but only rouse half-hearted laughs. Ed Harris makes the best of his material as bad guy David Englander, but remains as menacing as a Disney villain.

Man on a Ledge's observations on voyeurism and sensationalist journalism are intriguing but never biting, and an appallingly cheesy resolution confirms the viewer's dwindling interest is warranted. This is an easy, occasionally entertaining two hours which you'll have forgotten about by the time you get back to your car.