Lucky Number Slevin (2006): Dir: Paul McGuigan / Cast: Josh Hartnett, Morgan Freeman, Ben Kingsley, Bruce Willis, Lucy Liu: Divert yet clever film about luck in many forms. Josh Hartnett plays Slevin who is mistaken for someone else and is forced to eliminate victims from two opposing factors. Morgan Freeman and Ben Kingsley play mob related characters at war. Freeman wants Kingsley's homosexual son eliminated while Kingsley wants a large sum of cash. Hartnett is placed in the middle without question. Great setup and clever plot twists although one wonders whether the outcome does justice or is just a fancy form of violence. Director Paul McGuigan keeps viewers interested with stunning locations, innovative shots, and a production that works. Hartnett plays off the circumstance with bemusement while being pulled in two directions. Freeman and Kingsley are fine as opposing factors who will reap the blood shed they sow in a low blow shot at justice. Bruce Willis plays an assassin playing off both sides. Lucy Liu plays a mysterious woman whom becomes entangled into the plot when someone goes missing. It all spirals out of control leading to more violence that is a low counter to superb writing. Several themes play out here such as the sudden presence of trouble as well as the ultimate end destroyed by vengeance when one's lucky streak is up. Score: 8 / 10
Review of Lucky Number Slevin
