Russell Crowe in Enjoyably-Ridiculous Mode

Key Points:

• Russell Crowe stars in The Get Out, a comic neo-noir thriller where he plays Manco Kapac, an aging Albanian nightclub owner contemplating retirement after health and safety scares.
• The film is set in Los Angeles, but filmed on Australia’s Gold Coast, and features a plot involving robbery, blackmail, and unlikely criminal partnerships, with supporting roles by Luke Evans, Aaron Paul, and Nina Dobrev.
• The Get Out draws heavily from influences like Elmore Leonard and Quentin Tarantino but struggles with awkward blending of humor and suspense, resulting in a plot that sometimes strains credibility.
• Crowe’s deadpan comedic performance and Dobrev’s lively portrayal of a crime-enthusiast are highlights, providing moments of genuine goofiness amidst the film’s uneven tone.
• While the film is a mildly entertaining diversion likely to perform well on streaming platforms, it is largely forgettable, though the end credits feature a notable cover of “Hotel California” by the Gipsy Kings.