Out of Sight (1998) ****

 

If we were to rank writers based on how many of their novels have been adapted to film, Elmore Leonard would have to be fairly high on the list. It seems like every time I see a slightly-hard-edged-yet-funny crime movie, it turns out to be based on an Elmore Leonard book. Classic films like “Jackie Brown” and "Get Shorty" come to mind. 1998's “Out of Sight” deserves to be mentioned in the same breath.

George Clooney plays bank robber Jack Foley. During a prison break, Jack kidnaps sexy Federal Marshall Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez), and the two hit it off. On the run with his best friend Buddy (Ving Rhames), Jack pursues his next big heist, with Karen and the FBI in hot pursuit. Karen, meanwhile, tries to reconcile her professional obligations with the undeniable chemistry between her and Jack.

During the prison break scene, while Jack and Karen are locked in the trunk of Buddy's car, they talk about movies (I told you they hit it off.) Jack brings up the film “Three Days of the Condor,” and Karen says she thinks it is unrealistic how quickly Faye Dunaway and Robert Redford hook up. It's great foreshadowing for how quickly Jack and Karen fall for each other.

I can't remember if Jennifer Lopez started out as an actress who got into singing or a singer who got into acting. I don't really care, as she isn't that great at either. She's drop-dead gorgeous, though, and she has never been cuter than in “Out of Sight.” The role doesn't really demand much from her, acting-wise, and George Clooney is a good enough actor for both of them.

One thing about an Elmore Leonard story is that there are no placeholder characters. Everybody has a backstory, and everybody brings some sparkle to the tale. The supporting cast here is up to the job, with outstanding actors including Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle, Steve Zahn, Luis Guzman, Catherine Keener, Dennis Farina, and Albert Brooks.

Director Steven Soderbergh puts great source material and a great cast to good use. “Out of Sight” is sexy, funny, gritty, and ultimately satisfying.

4 stars out of 5