Rated PG-13 for violence and brief strong language.
Starring Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Anthony Mackie, Jamie Bell, Ed Harris and Edward Burns
Directed by Asger Leth (first feature film)
Costar Anthony Mackie said on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, “From now on I’m only doing movies where the title tells you exactly what the movie is about.” I thought that was hilarious but if you do want to know about the plot, keep reading.
An ex-cop and now wanted fugitive (Sam Worthington) stands on the ledge of a high-rise building while a hard-living New York Police Department negotiator (Elizabeth Banks) tries to talk him down. The longer they are on the ledge, the more she realizes that he might have an ulterior objective.
OK yeah, the plot really is that simple. And it also tends to be fairly predictable. Don’t worry I’m not going to spoil anything for you. I’ll just say that several “twists” are obvious and several “turns” can been seen a mile away.
The cast was good. Sam Worthington is always good, whether he is hunting down terminators or clashing with the Titians. And Elizabeth Banks and Edward Burns do a great job in their supporting roles. But Ed Harris as a bad guy…so good.
One of the things I appreciated about this movie is the way it was filmed. I wouldn’t say I’m afraid of heights, but falling off a high-rise building in downtown New York would definitely be a bad day. So when Nick slips or threatens to jump…yeah, major vertigo.
I liked the cast, the story and especially the way the film was shot, it won’t make my top ten list, but I still liked it enough to give it a “Rental.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity, but there is one scene where a woman undresses to her bra and panties and it goes on way too long.
There is some violence, but it falls well within the PG-13 rating. People get shot and beat up but there is not a lot of gore.
As far as profanity, there is 1 F-word and around 2 dozen other profanities.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: In the movie, Man on a Ledge, Nick Cassidy is trying to prove to the world that he is innocent. And while he is on the ledge and his friends are busy helping him, he tells the police negotiator, “I’m ready to die. It’s important that you understand that.”
What do you think he means by that?
What do you think it means to “be ready to die?”
Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: I don’t believe any of us want to die, but when we think about it, we often struggle with the same thing Paul did.
Read Philippians 1:18-26 Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
What was Paul struggling with?
What do you think he means by “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”?
Would you say Paul was “ready to die”? Why?
Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: Read the last two verses again. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
What is Paul saying?
What jobs do you think he still has for you to do?
