Movie Review: Lucky Number Slevin

A convergence of the cosmic proportions is occurring at local movie theaters. Exhibit A: when was the last time Bruce Willis had two good movies out in a 2 year period, never mind two months? When was the last time Morgan Freeman played a devilishly good bad guy? Name the last successful modern take on film noir? And I ask you, when was the last time Josh Harnett was not annoying? So ladies and gentlemen in the concession line - I ask you, is this not enough proof that global warming is changing the universe? All these things and much more happen in Lucky Number Slevin, a smart, funny, incredibly witty, movie about mistaken identity, hit men, feuding crime families and of course a cute girl thrown in the mix.

The movie opens with a wheel chair bound Mr. Goodkat (Bruce Willis) striking up a conversation with a sleepy passenger about a bet gone wrong, The Kansas City Shuffle. The audience is just as stunned as Goodkat's victim with what comes next. The film's transition to Slevin (Josh Harnett) might leave you thinking that was just an interesting random event - but misdirection and the deceiving appearance that people and stories are just randomly thrown in are simply a part of Lucky Number Slevin's charm.

Slevin comes to the Big Apple to see his friend - so of course he is immediately mugged. When he arrives at his buddy's apartment the door is unlocked and Nick is no where to be found. But Slevin does find a rather friendly neighbor named Lindsey (Lucy Lu), who has perhaps seen one too many detective TV shows - Colombo in particular. Before they can crack the case of the missing Nick, two thugs show up and yank a towel wearing Slevin out to meet The Boss (Morgan Freeman). The Boss insists that he owes him $96,000 and he wants his money. However, out of the generosity of his heart, he will call them even - if Slevin kills his rival's son, in retaliation of murder of The Boss son. Ben Kinglsey, excuse me Sir Ben Kinglsey, is as over the top as the Jewish mobster called The Rabbi, who also has Slevin kidnapped and seeks Slevin's assistance. Throw in the mix of the supporting cast, Stanley Tucci, as police detective Brikowski trying to bring down the two crime families and you have a top notch group of performers.

The film has the same sensibilities as Scottish director Paul McGuigan's other indie crime flick, Gangster No. 1. Thanks to the rapid fire dialogue, with edit cuts to match, in tangent with solid acting performances by all, R-rated Lucky Number Slevin is a winner. Although you may need a score card to keep up with the dead bodies and plot twists - you will enjoy the challenge of this rather satisfying stylish thriller.