There are several points where Cash Out failed for me. To explain that I will have to separate the film into two halves. In part one during the initial heist, Travolta and the cast bring off their roles very well. Each of the characters plays their part with understated humour and panache. The set is stylish and in the fashion of some of the great heist films it fulfills and leaves you wanting more. I would rate that a solid seven stars.
Where Cash Out fails for me is setting up the group for the failure leading into the film's second half. The further characterizations and character development needed to set up this part of the film are ignored. Perhaps budget restraints and a weak written plot are at fault. In any event, there is not enough focus given to the love affair between the two many characters. Why is a master thief, and an FBI undercover agent so deeply in love? How did the relationship develop? What was the imperative that made their love so strong? Alongside this is what was going on with the less talented brother that he needed to get his brother out of his slump.
I found the direction, and editing to be weak in several areas. There are scenes that for Travolta were obviously difficult, scenes where several characters had to contort to get through several walls. These scenes were clumsily set up and filmed. Yes, it was dark, and it would have been a perfect moment for a character double to show athletic prowess. Travolta may have been slightly miscast for the part. His age, and the fact he appears somewhat overweight, and out of shape to bring off this part of the film seem somewhat implausible. There are also parts of the film where a closeup of Travolta continues too long and just seems awkward.
To give Travolta his due, his acting chops for much of the film were on point.
As well as these plot black holes many smaller plot holes weaken the story; too many to list. Then there is the final scene where the lovers are reunited. It's too abrupt with no suspense, and no setup. It just doesn't work. I would rate part two as no higher than three stars.
Where Cash Out fails for me is setting up the group for the failure leading into the film's second half. The further characterizations and character development needed to set up this part of the film are ignored. Perhaps budget restraints and a weak written plot are at fault. In any event, there is not enough focus given to the love affair between the two many characters. Why is a master thief, and an FBI undercover agent so deeply in love? How did the relationship develop? What was the imperative that made their love so strong? Alongside this is what was going on with the less talented brother that he needed to get his brother out of his slump.
I found the direction, and editing to be weak in several areas. There are scenes that for Travolta were obviously difficult, scenes where several characters had to contort to get through several walls. These scenes were clumsily set up and filmed. Yes, it was dark, and it would have been a perfect moment for a character double to show athletic prowess. Travolta may have been slightly miscast for the part. His age, and the fact he appears somewhat overweight, and out of shape to bring off this part of the film seem somewhat implausible. There are also parts of the film where a closeup of Travolta continues too long and just seems awkward.
To give Travolta his due, his acting chops for much of the film were on point.
As well as these plot black holes many smaller plot holes weaken the story; too many to list. Then there is the final scene where the lovers are reunited. It's too abrupt with no suspense, and no setup. It just doesn't work. I would rate part two as no higher than three stars.