When it comes to HBO Max thrillers, No Sudden Move is a step above The Little Things in almost every way.
There’s nothing flashy about No Sudden Move. Steven Soderbergh and his screenwriter Ed Solomon take their time in telling this story. Setting the film in 1954 Detroit ends up being a masterful decision. Soderbergh and Solomon’s patience in uncorking this story pays off with a stellar 3rd act.
Solomon’s dialogue is outstanding. Don Cheadle, Amy Seimetz, Ray Liotta, David Harbour, A Quiet Place Part II‘s Noah Jupe are great in No Sudden Move. However, the standout performances were Brendan Fraser as Doug Jones and Kieran Culkin as Charley. Doug Jones is a middle man of sorts between the client and the robbers. Fraser does a great job of playing peacekeeper between three criminals who have never worked together before. Culkin provides the chaotic, twitchy energy that a slow-burning crime thriller like No Sudden Move needs.
The only performance that didn’t really work for me was Benicio Del Toro‘s as Ronald Russo. Set up as a counterpart to Cheadle’s Curtis Goynes, he never seems to be an even match with Cheadle’s smooth performance. Julia Fox is a great as Vanessa Capelli, but I could have used more time with the character.
No Sudden Move is a small film. The majority of the 1st act takes place in one house. While the climax of the film is a conversation among Goynes, Russo and a mystery man. When Soderberg and Solomon reveal what No Sudden Move is actually about, man does it hit hard.
With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into No Sudden Move. Please note there will be some minor spoilers. No Sudden Move is available to stream on HBO Max.
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Babysitting in No Sudden Move
The film begins with Gangster Curtis Goynes looking for work. Luckily, Doug Jones has some work for Goynes. The job is a babysitting gig. Goynes, Russo and Charley are threesome chosen for the Wertz family.
Babysitting involves taking a family hostage. Curtis and Ronald watch the mom, son and daughter at the house. Charley accompanies the father, Matt Wertz (Harbour). Matt is forced to head back to his employer and steal a document out of his boss’s vault.
The scenes inside the Wertz household are outstanding. You get the immediate sense that babysitting is something these three have done before. They are strict when necessary and also know when to soften their grip.
Culkin and Harbour are great together as well. Harbour does a great job of playing up the frazzled nature of his plan. Matt isn’t a thief, so watching him try to be one runs an interesting tightrope of tension and comedy. I was a little disappointed that they took the easy route with his character setup, but it’s a small nitpick.
Chaos ensues at the Wertz house. Detective Joe Finney is on the case. There are several strong scenes between Hamm and Jupe. Seitz also shines as Mary Wertz. In spite of the stressful situation, Mary is able to keep a lid on the situation. These scenes make great use out of Solomon’s well-written dialogue.
Frank Capelli or Aldrick Watkins
The document contains plans for the catalytic converter. The device will cost automobile companies extra to manufacture but will reduce emissions. Once Curtis and Ronald figure out the value of these plans, they try to blackmail multiple partners while looking for opportunities to throw each other under the bus. Ronald never seems to be on the same level as Curtis. Not only does Curtis have morals, but he’s also able to keep a cool head no matter how hairy things get in No Sudden Move.
Curtis, Charley and Ronald are trying to avoid Frank Capelli and Aldrick Watkins. These are two rival gangsters. Liotta to the surprise of no one is a natural with this material. Bill Duke is great as Aldrick, but I could of use more scenes between him and Cheadle.
Despite Doug’s denials, it’s clear to Ronald and Curtis who was behind the original blackmail scheme. A meeting between Doug, Frank, Ronald and Curtis goes south, which leads them to reach out to Mr. Big. He’s an automobile industry exec who wants to prevent the document from going out to the public. I’m not going to reveal the actor playing Mr. Big. However, he’s quite familiar with Soderbergh’s films. This actor has one of my favorite monologues since The Trial of the Chicago 7 from last year.
Wrapping this heist film up as a metaphor for what the rich will do to retain their wealth allows the film to go out with a bang.
No Sudden Move Final Thoughts
Soderbergh’s latest heist film is a nice change of pace from his usual approach to the genre. The performances, writing and outstanding 3rd act enable No Sudden Move to succeed in spite of the slow pacing and a few out-of-place shots.
The Review
No Sudden Move
PROS
- Don Cheadle, Brendan Fraser, Kieran Culkin, Amy Seimetz and David Harbour are just some of the great performances in the film.
- Outstanding dialogue headlines a wonderful script by Ed Solomon.
- The 3rd act is phenomenal. It features one of the best cameos and a terrific monologue.
CONS
- Benicio Del Toro just didn't work for me in this film.
- Some let's call them interesting camera angles that felt out of place.
