Review of Out of Sight (1998) by Benjamin E — 02 Dec 2009

This was Steven Soderberghs first mainstream movie. Up to this point he had done mostly indie type movies. For starters, you can't go wrong with an Elmore Leonard story as the premise for your first big movie!

George Clooney began a long partnership with Soderbergh with this movie. Clooney plays Jack Foley, a storied bank robber, who has the misfortune of meeting karen Sisco, played by Jennifer Lopez. Karen Sisco is a U.S. marshall, and sparks fly when she & Foley meet.

This complicated relationship is the nexus of the story. A con & a cop who fall for one another. That and a planned robbery of Albert Brooks character.

Which brings me to the supporting cast. Albert Brooks, Catherine Keener, Dennis Farina, Don Cheadle, Even Isaiah Washington years before Grey's Anatomy. Stellar ensemble cast!

One of the nifty things is the casting of Michael Keaton. In 1997, he starred in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown as Ray Nicholette, ATF agent. He was cast in this movie to play the same character. Both movies are based on Elmore Leonard novels!

Very well directed & scripted. I would put this up against any of Soderburghs more recent work for comparison.

If you like Soderburgh, Leonard, or Clooney give it a look. If you like crime stories, watch it. If you want to watch a good love story, check this movie out.

Also, for those of you keeping track, I know I am. 5 heroes in this movie!

George Clooney-Batman in Batman & Robin.

Dennis Farina- Wildcat in Justice League Unlimited.

Don Cheadle- War Machine in Iron Man 2.

Samuel L. Jackson- Nick Fury in Iron Man.

Michael Keaton- Batman in Batman.