Logan Lucky – Movie Review

Logan Lucky – PG-13
Release Date: Fri 18 Aug 2017

It’s no coincidence that this NASCAR heist movie feels like the “Ocean’s” films. Logan Lucky is the first film from “Ocean’s” trilogy director Steven Soderbergh in several years and it’s smart use of casting and knowing when and how to develop characters has a similar feel. Written by a mysterious screenwriter under the pseudonym Rebecca Blunt, it’s hard to know where the line between screenwriter and director lies.

The trailers were somewhat baffling, making it look as though the movie is a Daniel Craig vehicle, complete with a southern accent. In reality, Channing Tatum is the main character and the rest of the cast are either recruits for the heist (Adam Driver, Craig) or people involved in the characters’ lives.

The first few scenes focus on building Tatum’s character and feel a bit slow. This groundwork is necessary to make his moves across a quickly unwinding second and third act feel believable. Adam Driver’s character is very understated but perfectly portrayed and developed. Craig is something of a wildcard here, but the stunt casting pays off and he’s a perfectly believable explosives expert. (If that’s what his character allows us to call it.)

Logan Lucky is the kind of wide appeal heist film that should be a hit with just about everyone.

Nathan and I saw it in the theater and had a discussion in the car: