Written by Jason Smilovic, Lucky Number Slevin is an adaptation from the 1961 Japanesse film Yojimbo. Maybe a more referable title, 1964�s A Fistful of Dollars with Clint Eastwood which was also based on Yojimbo, or even another film starring Bruce Willis, Last Man Standing. Basically Lucky Number Slevin keeps the main plot elements, a protagonist playing off both sides of a gang rivalry, but retells the story in modern times along with a handful of notable actors. Among them…include; Bruce Willis, Lucy Liu, Stanley Tucci, Josh Hartnett, Morgan Freeman, and Ben Kingsley. I think it goes without saying that its rare that an action movie disappoints when its headlined by Bruce Willis, not to mention the ensemble of other great actors its backed by, so how does Lucky Number Slevin end up?
The film opens up in an undetermined airport terminal where an old man in a wheel chair referring to himself as Smith (Bruce Willis) tells the story of a fix on a horse race back in 1979 leading to the deaths of an entire family. The sole listener of the story is enthralled, thus becoming distracted at which point Smith stands up and snaps his neck, killing him instantly. At this point in the movie this has no relevance to the audience, other than introducing Bruce Willis� character, the world famous assassin Mr. Goodkat.
Slevin Kelevra is played by Josh Hartnett, or more commonly mistaken as Nick Fisher. With a string of bad luck including the loss of his girlfriend Slevin contacts his old friend Nick Fisher, whom he plans to stay with in New York City. His bad luck continues as he is mugged shortly after arriving in New York whilst on his way to Fisher�s apartment. Upon arriving the door is unlocked and no one is home, so Slevin lets himself in. After meeting and exchanging conspiracies as to Fishers whereabouts with neighbour Lindsey (Lucy Liu), Slevin is taken forcibly from the apartment by two armed men. He is taken to the office of a powerful mob boss only referred to as The Boss (Morgan Freeman). It is presumed that he is in fact Nick Fisher and in debt for $96,000 with The Boss, and given an ultimatum to paying the money, the assassination of rival crime boss� son, The Fairy in revenge for the assassination of his own son presumably by his rival. Fast forward to later that day and in the adjacent penthouse building across the street from The Boss� where Slevin is again mistaken as Nick Fisher and in debt to yet another mob boss, The Rabbi (Ben Kinsley). It becomes known that The Rabbi and The Boss were once close friends, but now intense rivals, so consumed by the fear of what the other man will do to him that they have locked themselves into their buildings not ever leaving.
This is where things get even more confusing, and interesting. From start to finish this picture has you asking yourself what�s really going on, because nothing is ever as simple as it appears on the surface. This action film becomes a bit of a mystery, and had me at the edge of my seat for its entirety. The characters are all very deep and intelligent in their own right, leading for very interesting dialogue commonly leading to a laugh. As the movie plays out everything starts coming together and nothing was as it seemed, all the way to it shocking ending. My only criticism is one portion of the ending that I could have went without, which is rectified by the alternate ending that I would much have preferred that you can check out in the special features. The film is while directed throughout, with some pretty cool looking scenes.
In the end Lucky Number Slevin went well above what I had anticipated originally based on its mediocre showing in the box office. The movie is fast paced, filled with twists and action, great dialogue and acting. This movie was overlooked by many; it was simply a fun action film worthwhile watched by all fans of the genre.
Video
Lucky Number Slevin surprised me on how good it was, the same thing occurred with the video transfer. Presented in 1080p 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the print was in perfect condition, showing no dirt or grain. Colors look damn good, showcasing some extraordinary looking flesh tones. Details were great, facial details in specific are worth noting. Every one of Morgan Freemans facial details were shown so clear that it surpasses even Batman Begins. Some minor problems occurred throughout, mainly softness. This didn�t happen frequent enough to warrant any concern though. Don�t be fooled thinking that a low budget film like Slevin wont have a good video transfer, as it boasts one of the most impressive transfers to date.
Audio
Lucky Number Slevin is given a Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 and makes uses of it well. Being a thriller, the dialogue sounds great, with no dropouts or pops. I did find that the overall volume of the film was very quiet; however there were no balancing issues once this was adjusted. The few beating, and shooting scenes sounded terrific, using all front and rear channels effectively. When bass was used it was used well, never downing out the dialogue but never sounding too faint. Although not a show case for your home audio equipment, Slevin executes what it has near perfectly.
Special Features
Lucky Number Slevin is quality over quantity treatment. The few special features are all worth checking out.
- Audio Commentary by Josh Hartnett, Lucy Liu and Writer Jason Smilovic
- Audio Commentary by Director Paul McGuigan
- Making Lucky Number Slevin � An interesting look at the making of Slevin. I found this feature very interesting, must see for fans.
- Deleted Scenes & Alternative Ending � Some good deleted scenes worth checking out. The alternative ending is a must see, as I think they should have kept it.
- An Intimate Conversation with Josh Hartnett and Lucy Liu � Interview with the two stars of the film. The two clearly had chemistry, making their roles that much believable.
- Theatrical Trailer
Final Thoughts
A really cool movie, well thought out and executed. Boasting very impressive video and solid audio, along with some noteworthy special features, Lucky Number Slevin is a sure buy for any fans of the movie. If you haven�t seen it, you should.
Special Features List
- Audio Commentary by Josh Hartnett, Lucy Liu and Writer Jason Smilovic
- Audio Commentary by Director Paul McGuigan
- Making Lucky Number Slevin
- Deleted Scenes & Alternative Ending
- An Intimate Conversation with Josh Hartnett and Lucy Liu
- Theatrical Trailer
