Does the presence of Sam Worthington make Man on a Ledge as exciting as a trip to Pandora? Well, no, but it's certainly not total trash, either. The title would be best be changed to "Mediocre on a Ledge." This play-it-safe heist film fails to impress but does an ample job keeping you amused.
If you've seen the trailer then you know the entire premise. Ex-cop Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) claims he's going to jump from a ledge at the Roosevelt hotel in New York. As he stands on the ledge, all eyes are on him as crowds and authorites gather to watch the seemingly suicidal character. But, as you know, this is all a ruse so his brother (Jamie Bell) and his girlfriend (Genesis Rodriguez... with obligatory underwear scene) will attempt to to steal a diamond from the stereotypical powerful businessman, David Englander (Ed Harris). As the plot juggles back and forth, negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) tries to convince Cassidy to step back inside. As the silliness carries on, she begins to suspect what the viewer has known the entire time.
Because we know Cassidy's true intentions, any and all possible suspense and tension you would feel for the character surrounding his stint on the ledge is completely gone. Meanwhile, on the other side of the street it looks like the two thieves prepared for this day by reading "How to steal for dummies." This duo is breaking into the vault of one of the wealthiest and most powerful men with a duffle bag consisting of some of the most laughable and eye-rolling tricks you'll ever see. Want to elude a camera? Roll by on a skateboard with your body covered in a white sheet, it'll look just like the floor and no one will notice! And sadly, that's only scratching the surface of their absurd plans to pass a state-of-the art security system.
And how could I possible forget to mention the 'Occupy' messages tossed in here. Not only is the evil wealthy guy a walking stereotype (comes equipped with a passion for cigars and being a d-bag, he's really only missing a Mr. Monopoly hat), but the economic crisis is constantly raised about how the everyday guy got the shaft when the economy took a dive and others used it as an excuse for ridiculous and far-fetched corruption. Then we have the people in New York. One minute they're cheering and demanding for Cassidy to jump for their amusement, and the next their cheering him on to... well, not jump.
I have no problem with suspending my disbelief to a certain degree. Hell, I liked Transformers, but Man on a Ledge has one too many bizarre moments to count. You're not going to find anything profound with Man on a Ledge. It never strives for greatness and sails by at a completely average level. If you're just looking to shut off your brain and enjoy a movie with some friends weekend, then give Man on a Ledge a chance. Just don't expect to walk out saying singing its praises.
