OK for kids 14+
Taut heist thriller is better than lame title suggests.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the main character in Man on a Ledge spends much of the film perched on a ledge atop a tall building, only one step away from falling to his death. There are references to suicide, several fistfights and shootouts (which cause mortal injuries), and some swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t"), as well as two characters who attempt to pull off an elaborate heist. Expect a few scenes featuring people drinking and smoking cigarettes, and one gratuitous sequence in which a woman strips to her underwear.
- Families can talk about Man on a Ledge's premise. How do you feel about the suicide set-up? How does the impact of the violence compare to what you've seen in other thrillers and action movies?
- What do you think about the way people on the street react to seeing Nick standing on the ledge? Why do they encourage him to jump? What do you think about the way the media reported the incident?
- Was Nick's plan the only way to prove his innocence? Does it make sense to commit a crime to clear someone of another crime?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie's plot supports the idea of the truth ultimately being what matters most, triumphing over corruption.
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Role models: Main characters don't always do the right thing, but their hearts are often in the right place. For instance, Nick's brother is willing to commit a serious crime to prove that his sibling is innocent. Also, a police officer slowly begins to believe that a convicted criminal may be telling the truth when he claims that he was framed by other cops.
What to watch for
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Violence: The film revolves around a man who seems poised to jump to his death from a tall building, as a crowd on the street eggs him on. There are also several fistfights and a few shootouts that leave people mortally injured. A car is destroyed in an intense collision with a train.
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Sex: A couple banters playfully about their sex life, and the woman strips to her underwear.
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Language: Relatively frequent use of words including "s--t," "ass," "bitch," "d--k," "hell," "crap," "goddamn," and "damn," plus one use of "f--k." A character insults a man in Spanish.
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Consumerism: A Jeep plays an important role in an early scene that prominently features the vehicle's logo. Most of the movie is set at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, which is mentioned by name several times.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: One character wakes up, groggy, with several empty liquor bottles by her bed; others discuss her carousing habits. She later shares a cigarette with the man on the ledge. The bartender at a busy bar offers a round to everyone on the house, a celebratory gesture that's cheered by the boisterous crowd.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Man on a Ledge by Darkola
I'd advise against listening to, or reading the critics reviews on this, I went to see this expecting to be a little disappointed, but came out pleased that I did see this movie, it had a good story, good characters, and good twists to it. I've read a few things about critics criticising how they can have come with two bags loaded with everything they need, but I think to movies like James Bond type stories, and how they always seem to have the right items with them, and wonder why the criticism isnt places on movies like that, that are bound to always be hit movies. Anyways, this is a really good story, with some details about each of its members that makes it more interesting, and even some joking in the movie, I'd give it 3 stars myself, go see it.
5
Kept you on the (L)edge! by Color Angel
The acting was great. Loved the good guys, hated the bad guys. The way the story began was intriguing and the follow through was very well done. It had a spin to it I didn't expect...I'd see it again.
5
Man On a Ledge by usmile_6
My husband and I enjoyed our date night movie and left feeling like we got our monies worth. A must see if you enjoy a little action!
5
This was an excellent movie! by databana
We almost didn't go see this movie because of the critic's rating, but glad we didn't listen to them. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire movie. I didn't see the end coming, interesting twists.
4
Definitely not what it appears to be! by MsReenababy
Despite your normal critics opinion, which I believe they truly lack something, this movie was really good. The preview does it no justice at all, the plot was a great, purely revenge! Interesting twist and turns throughout the entire film, the action is there, the mystery is there, the hint of comedy a sweet touch! Overall this movie is something everyone could sit through and really enjoy, and to think we weren't even going to see this movie... Recommend you GO!
3
Sunday afternoon fare by gheedy
Not a bad movie, but doesn't stay with you for long. Has some twists that the director obviously hopes you won't pick up on. Acting is good; cinematography was almost great. In general, good entertainment for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
4
Good movie by brownremax
A little long but kept my interest. Nothing that kid's should not see but they might be bored. The actors aren't well know but it did not hurt the film.
4
Man on a Ledge by alexander02
I went to see this movie with my children ages 18 and 12. We were all curious about the plot and outcome of the movie. It was well thought out and the main actor was very interesting to watch. He was very natural while acting which made him very unpredictable with his actions. We were always trying to figure out what will happen next. I think this is a very good movie for people that are interested in finding the next move in a movie. I think this a kids movie and a good movie.
3
Fun little movie provided you check your brain at the door by alaska_movie_mike
It was a pretty good flick that was about 1-2 rewrites away from being a solid piece. I enjoyed the majority of the acting. One of the female leads was pretty weak but was there mostly as eye candy.
The story itself went along fairly smoothly but there *were* a few moments that gave one pause in a, "uh... really??? How convenient..." fashion, but in it's defense, you'll have very few movies that don't do that in this day in age.
As a popcorn film goes, this is definitely chewing gum for the brain. Not really worth a $12 ticket but I would definitely seek it out on Netflix!
5
Fantastic Movie by jboval
I saw Man on the ledge last night and I loved it. There were so many plots and couldn't wait to see what's going to happen next. I'll recommend it to all.