Hollywood launched an advertisment blitz back when Lucky # Slevin came out in April 2006. I don't remember if the ads really explained what was going on, but it was on my wish list. Thankfully I never actually got around to spending the $10 to watch this film.

Lucky # Slevin is a combination of Arthur Doyle's Study In Scarlet and Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction.

An interesting idea, sadly it's not executed well. Without even explaning - or revealing - the plot, I can tell you that a major problem with this movie is the timeline. Writer Jason Smilovic borrowed Tarantino's structure, having the story jump from time/location to time/location. My issue is that he does it far too often and relies on hiding imporant moments instead of better writing.

Without ruining the story, the plot revolves around Slevin Kelevera and his unfortunate circumstances. He loses his job, finds his apartment condemned and has his girlfriend cheat on him, prompting him to visit a friend in New York City. Apparently his friend has unpaid favors with two warring crime bosses - Boss and Rabbi, and is forced to deal with them. There are twists and turns about in Lucky # Slevin, and the story had the potential to be amazing.

The film carries an A-list cast. Slevin is played by Josh Hartnett, while Lucy Liu plays the flirty neighbor, Morgan Freeman plays Boss, Ben Kingsley plays Rabbi and Bruce Willis plays an assassin. But despite the superfluous talent, Lucky # Slevin always feels like an independent film and less like a Hollywood production. The characters talk too much, not enough, about odd topics and/or with a lack of inspiration. I'd like to know why Bruce "John McClane" Willis comes across as a rookie actor.

Lucky # Slevin won several awards from the Director's Guild of Canada, Milan International Film Festival and Motion Pictures Sound Association. The DVD box itself quotes a Fox personality calling it "the best crime thriller in years." I don't know how this movie won all of these accolades, but it certainly does not deserve honors.

Recommended:
No

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older