Long, slow and un-scenic
Sometimes a film title is cryptic but Man on a Ledge, directed by Asger Leth, does exactly what it says on the tin. Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) a former cop, checks into a hotel under the name of Walker, eats, and then climbs out the window, where he stays for almost 102 minutes.
To give the film some context, we flashback to a month earlier and Cassidy’s in prison, jailed for a crime he didn’t commit and is told that his father is dying – the guy can’t catch a break. Asked if he thinks about hurting himself, he says no: “But killing? Every damn day.” While attending his dad’s funeral – and attacking his brother (Jamie Bell) – he escapes. And then we’re back on the ledge where Detective Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) attempts to talk him down. She has a big job on her hands as he admits: “I’m ready to die.” But it’s all a diversionary tactic, for what, I won’t reveal.
You can guess how it’s all going to end, although there’s a small twist that brings the story together. But with a film as predictable as this it’s about the journey and unfortunately it takes the long, slow, un-scenic route.
Girl with the Tiger Lily Tattoo 