“Lift” serves as a cautionary tale on the pitfalls of timeliness, anchored in a caper plot revolving around the implausible notion of an NFT (non-fungible token) gaining value. Despite Netflix’s acquisition of Daniel Kunka’s spec script two years prior, the film, directed by F. Gary Gray as a follow-up to “Men in Black: International,” unfortunately debuts at a time when most NFTs are widely considered worthless.
The film stars Kevin Hart as Cyrus Whitaker, the leader of a sophisticated crew of thieves collaborating with Interpol for one final job. This assignment aims to thwart a terrorist, with whom Cyrus has a personal history, making the plot predictable from the outset. However, the film’s shortcomings extend beyond its timeliness, as Hart’s miscasting as the lead character is evident. His attempt at a thief-with-a-heart-of-gold persona lacks the necessary depth, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, representing Interpol, consistently outshines Hart on screen.
Chemistry issues persist within Cyrus’ team, which includes Vincent D’Onofrio, Úrsula Corberó, and Billy Magnussen, each playing roles that, despite the actors’ efforts, feel thinly written and fail to distinguish themselves. The film’s potential as a parody, akin to “Spy,” is hinted at but not fully embraced, and the overall seriousness it adopts detracts from potential comedic elements.
Despite Gray’s skill as a director, the film is hindered by a lackluster screenplay filled with clichés and uninspiring dialogue. The narrative’s predictability and reliance on worn-out tropes contribute to a forgettable viewing experience, accentuated by the film’s debut on a streaming platform. While the film may have fared better in a theater setting, its low-effort execution and missed opportunities for humor make it fall short of leaving a lasting impression. As the protagonist remarks about NFTs in a climactic scene, “Some people say they’re just a passing fad. I say that all art just depends on the artist.” Unfortunately, for “Lift,” the artistry falls flat.
