Direction: Steven Soderbergh
Country: USA
We all know about Steven Soderbergh's penchant for heist movies (the Ocean’s trilogy; Logan Lucky, 2017; Out of Sight, 1998); and he returns to the genre with positive results, backed by a grandiose ensemble cast and boasting an evocative tone. No Sudden Move is pelted with funny lines, a constellation of unpredictable and suspicious characters, deliciously offbeat moments, pertinent social commentary to boot and gratifying twists. However, the film is stronger in its extremities, whereas the midsection loses some adherence without risking a wreck.
The story, competently written by Ed Solomon (Men in Black, 1997; Now You See Me, 2013) is set in 1954 Detroit, following an apparently simple three-man job that goes sideways. Washed-up gangsters Curt Goynes (Don Cheadle), Roland Russo (Benicio Del Toro) and Charley Barnes (Kieran Culkin) are given the mission of stealing an important document, and the key for that purpose is the car salesman Matt Wertz (David Harbour is impressive here). Soon, with a series of game-changing events, the boys are trailed by detective Joe Finney (Jon Hamm) and start negotiations with bigger sharks like the brute Frank Capelli (Ray Liotta) and the sly, conceited automobile kingpin Mike Lowen (a convincing Matt Damon in a cameo role).
The problem with this neo-noir is the shortage of suspense, which makes it look cerebral. This is curiously overcome by a jocular posture and the succession of betrayals. Also, Roland and Curt don’t make an explosive team, a quibble that doesn’t necessarily spoil the whole. An immediate classic? Certainly not. But a steady source of entertainment, I would say.
