Clooney's on screen charm is 'Out of Sight'

Cop and robbers have never looked so good

By Ruth A. Williams, On-line Forty-Niner

July 2,1998

The producers of "Get Shorty" are back with another film based on the Elmore Leonard novel, "Out of Sight."

"Out of the Sight" is the story of convicted bank robber Jack Foley (George Clooney) who escapes from Glades Correctional Facility with the help of long-time friend and partner-in-crime, Buddy Bragg (Ving Rhames).

The escape is almost foiled when U.S. Marshal Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez) shows up to serve a summons and complaint. In order to avoid being shot by guards and Sisco, Jack and Buddy throw her in the trunk of the getaway car.

During the ride in the trunk, Jack and Karen share opinions about life and the movies. The conversation seems to go so well that Jack wonders aloud how it would be if the two of them had met under different circumstances.

At a highway rendezvous with another car, Karen manages to talk Glenn Michaels (Steve Zahn) into saving his skin and leaving Jack and Buddy by the roadside.

Once back in Miami, Karen cannot seem to stop thinking about Jack and his gentle manner; he is almost the perfect gentleman. However, she has sworn to uphold the law, and he is a convict.

Torn between her emotions and her job, Karen's pursuit of Jack is half-hearted in the beginning. However, it is her belief in the law that overrides her growing feelings for Jack and gives her strength to send him back to prison.

Jack, on the other hand, is determined not to go back to prison and is willing to go to great lengths to secure his freedom.

George Clooney delivers a good performance as the insouciant Jack Foley. His charm has allowed him to rob over 200 banks without using a gun.

According to Foley, one would be surprised what he or she could get if he or she asked nicely.

Ving Rhames is both funny and delightful as the penitent yet backsliding Buddy Bragg. He calls his sister regularly to confess his sins. Even though he was arrested once for information he shared with his sister concerning a burglary, he does not seem to harbor any bad feelings for her.

Jennifer Lopez gives a strong and balanced performance as Karen Sisco. She is tough and compassionate. She brings a touch of humanness to what could be a cold and boring character.