Lift follows a group of seasoned, high-tech thieves led by Cyrus (Kevin Hart) as they attempt to steal half a billion dollars’ worth of gold bars from a commercial airliner flying from London to Zurich. The heist is complicated by the involvement of Interpol agent Abby Gladwell (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who has a past with Cyrus. The film takes viewers through various European destinations, featuring elaborate mid-air stunts and high-stakes action sequences.

Themes

The primary themes of “Lift” include trust, betrayal, and the complexities of moral ambiguity. The film explores the dynamics within the heist crew, highlighting their individual motivations and the ethical dilemmas they face. Additionally, it touches on the consequences of greed and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals.

Character Development

While the film boasts a star-studded cast, the character development is somewhat lacking. Kevin Hart’s Cyrus deviates from his usual comedic roles, offering a more serious and roguish character. However, the screenplay does not provide enough depth to make the characters truly memorable. Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s Abby has an interesting backstory with Cyrus, but their chemistry feels forced.

Director’s Style

F. Gary Gray, known for his work on “The Italian Job” and “Set It Off,” brings his expertise in crafting heist films to “Lift.” The movie features glossy visuals and high-energy sequences, but it lacks the charm and innovation seen in his previous works. The direction is competent, but the film feels formulaic and predictable.

Performances

Kevin Hart: Delivers a solid performance, stepping out of his comfort zone to play a more serious role.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw: Provides a strong presence but is hindered by the script’s lack of depth.

Sam Worthington: Adequate in his role as Abby’s boss, but not particularly memorable.

Billy Magnussen: Stands out with a delightfully goofy performance, reminiscent of Brad Pitt in “Burn After Reading”.

Technical Aspects

The film’s technical aspects are a mixed bag. The special effects are impressive, especially the mid-air heist sequences, but they often feel detached from reality. The cinematography captures the European locales beautifully, but the lighting and set design can feel flat and uninspired.

Strengths

• High-energy action sequences
• Strong performances from Kevin Hart and Billy Magnussen
• Impressive special effects

Weaknesses

• Formulaic and predictable plot
• Lack of character depth and development
• Forced chemistry between leads

Overall Impact: Lift 2024

“Lift” is a competent heist film that offers some entertaining moments but ultimately falls short of being memorable. It is a decent option for a mindless action flick, but it does not stand out in the crowded genre of heist movies.

Recommendation

If you enjoy heist films and are looking for a light, entertaining watch, “Lift” might be worth your time. However, if you are seeking a film with deeper character development and a more innovative plot, you might want to look elsewhere.