Quite disappointing

After spending the decade of the 1990s in the shadows and remaining overlooked, Steven Soderbergh made his mark in Hollywood with Out of Sight: this sufficiently entertaining crime drama. It's rather a daunting task to categorise a Soderbergh production - this film has elements of romance, comedy, drama, crime and thriller. With these elements in mind, the filmmakers have tossed in a dense, intricate, somewhat fractured screenplay to be implemented by a questionable group of actors. The stage is set for something moderately different to occur.

Jack Foley (Clooney) is a habitual bank robber with a formidable record. Jack decides to shorten his current gaol term by conducting a prison break with the assistance of long-time collaborator Buddy (Rhames). However Jack does not expect to encounter US Marshall Karen Sisco (Lopez) during his prison escape. The pair toy around with an obvious mutual attraction. As Jack and Buddy plan their ultimate scam, Karen is assigned to track them down and bring them to justice. It takes about half an hour to establish that plot. Subsequent to the opening half an hour the plot steadily dissolves with each passing minute. Basically the final 90 minutes of the movie (give or take) are concerned with Karen working to capture Jack and Buddy. However Karen begins having second thoughts about arresting Jack as the mutual attraction intensifies.

Out of Sight is equipped with talent in several departments: acting is generally very good, directing is strong and the screenplay is witty. But director Soderbergh's style will not be liked by all. Quite frankly the film loses its appeal and bogs dreadfully throughout the middle section. The problem with Soderbergh's movies is that, although they're sometimes really unpredictable, it's difficult to assess the importance of each scene. With so little action and so much dialogue there isn't much to sustain interest in the viewer. While watching the movie my eyes were glued to the screen but my mind kept wandering off...I could never remain entirely engaged.

Another fatal flaw is the lack of sizzling chemistry between Clooney and Lopez. George Clooney is always highly charismatic and appears abundantly determined. 60% of Clooney's screen-time features some skilfully-written dialogue and some absorbing drama. It's a shame this level of focus isn't maintained - something solely attributed to the mediocre screenwriting. On the opposite end of the spectrum there's a very questionable Jennifer Lopez. Honestly, I have never liked Lopez's acting so perhaps I am biased. Be that as it may, Lopez is poor at maintaining any degree of intensity. Her lines are occasionally quite witty (sometimes more so than Clooney's dialogue), but she does not do justice to the screenplay. There is zero chemistry between Clooney and Lopez. We have a charismatic performer opposite an actress who really requires a few more acting lessons.

Thankfully the supporting cast are a marginal redeeming feature. Don Cheadle's performance is similar to Clooney's - spirited but let down by the film's unique style. Steve Zahn is always a scene-stealer. It's a shame Zahn is allocated such a minor role. His potentiality could have redeemed this film more emphatically. Michael Keaton's insignificant (uncredited) role is also worth mentioning - a former Batman criminally underused.

Overall, Out of Sight is a mediocre crime film that will not be liked by all. Occasionally there's some great dialogue to absorb and a few strong performances. Not that I was looking exclusively for action, but the drama could have easily been balanced out by more frequent action. I'm glad I watched the film; however I doubt I'll be watching it again any time soon.