Logan Lucky- Review
Eccentric, comical and fun; here's the newest addition to Steven Soderbergh's filmography that seemed to do just the trick in ending his retirement. Following a positively received Baby Driver, Logan Lucky features a more adult oriented cast and a 'same but different' sense. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, it features the talents of Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig and Riley Keough.
Kicked in the back again by life, the Logan family decide that it's time to erase the family curse and conduct a plan that may just turn their luck.
Throughout this movie, I noticed some similarities to Baby Driver and it was expected, being a heist movie and all but there were a few scenes that caused a little bit of deja vu. However, this movie was funny and definitely changed it up for most of the actors. Examples include Adam Driver, not one who I'd pick to be in a West Virginian robbery without a lightsaber or Daniel Craig with an American accent...at all.
The performances: Channing Tatum plays the role of Jimmy Logan, a newly unemployed, separated father of one and technophobe. This was a new role for Channing, from all the teen rom-coms to more glammed up roles, there's no sign of cockiness or an envious rebel-without-a-cause attitude in the role. I won't say it was his best role either and definitely not the best role in this movie. To see him with his clothes on at all times is a surprise but it further proves under a belt of many different roles, Channing Tatum can hold the role steadily, keep characterisation and stick to the story.
Before this film, the only roles I had seen played by Adam Driver were in Star Wars and Silence. Silence wasn't a particularly memorable role for me, or movie to be perfectly honest but seeing him without a sabre in his hand and no armour was also very different for me. As Clyde Logan, a one-armed bartender, he was funny and an enjoyable character. I love the way that he moves around so awkwardly, like a socially-awkward cousin at a family gathering. After the initial introduction of his character, the majority of things that came out of his mouth were comical and were guaranteed to bring a smile. He really did a brilliant job.
Daniel Craig as the role of Jo Bang was the best role in this film. Easily able to adapt, he brings an American accent so thick and well constructed that you wouldn't think twice about this man actually coming from Chester, England. This film was full of quaint and zany roles that surprised me and again I can say that this was yet another. In his hillbilly and blunt ways, he was just as hilarious as he was fitting for his role. It's evident here that Daniel is beyond capable of tackling any role, regardless of how different or unfamiliar it might be and turning it into putty in his hands. An exceptional job well done here.
Riley Keough played the role of Mellie Logan, Clyde and Jimmy's hairdresser sister who is strictly stick when it comes to driving. Unlike Baby Driver, this getaway driver is a woman with an attitude. I haven't seen Riley since Magic Mike in 2012 so it was nice to see her here. Not one of the most memorable roles I must say, due to the fact that she was easily overshadowed.
There were a few minor roles in here that featured Sebastian Stan, Seth McFarlane and Hillary Swank. In particular, I would like to talk about Hillary. I'm not a massive fan of hers, but like anyone, I can appreciate something if it's good. This role was anything but good. I let her talk for a bit and then wrote her off completely. Then I studied her non-verbal acting and all I could do was roll my eyes. She plays the role of Special Agent Sarah Grayson but I think she 'plays' it a little too try-hard. Her acting was heavily exaggerated and I don't believe that was intended for comedy because everyone else around her acted at a normal, appropriate level. I get that sometimes people write out that anyone in the policing profession in movies should walk as if they have massive love handles or a stick up their butt...but come on, Hillary actually looked like the turtle was out of the shell. This was one role out of the entire movie that I had a major problem with and one that I'd rather forget.
A good movie to abandon retirement for, thanks Steven! In a world of prequel's, sequels and remakes, this one is open to a sequel. Personally, I think it would be better without a sequel because there could be some possible issues and/ or lack of further ideas along the track but we'll see.
Score: 7.5/10.