Man on a Ledge

A convicted criminal, known as Nick Cassidy, attempts to prove his innocence. How does he do this? He steps onto a ledge of a hotel in New York City, threatening to end his life. However, while the crowd and the police have directed their attention to him, little do they realize that it’s just a set up for what may be the biggest diamond heist the city has ever seen.

I’ll admit, this was a tough review to write. I walked into the theater, hoping that this film was going to be worth seeing. I had seen the trailer and was intrigued by the synopsis provided. However, as the film progressed, the plot became a little too heavy and contained too many holes to keep me interested. Don’t get me wrong. The acting was very good, the camera work was good; all the other elements of this film were great. However, the plot is what threw me off. For most of the movie, I couldn’t determine why Mr. Cassidy was trying to prove his innocence. I took a friend with me to see this movie, and he too agreed with me and questioned some of the plot behind this film.

“Man on a Ledge” has some objectionable content that I feel is worth mentioning…

Violence: There is a brief fight between two inmates in a prison yard. There is also a brief fight at a cemetery. There is a scene where a car is destroyed by an oncoming train. There is also a scene where someone is beaten up by a policeman. Lastly, there is a scene where two people are shot.

Profanity: The profanity in this film is heavy, heavier than what the MPA rating suggested, in my opinion. There is one instance of d**n, seven instances of the phrase G**D***it, either one or two instances of the word f**k, four instances of h*ll, six instances of the phrase “son of a b***h,” one instance of “b**ch,” “a**” (4), “sh*t” (9), six instances where the Lord’s name is taken in vain, and God’s name is taken in vain two times. Other profanity includes two references made to alcohol, the phrase “break my balls is used, “h**ker,” “cocaine,” the phrase “screwing us over,” “fr*ck,” “hot” is used in reference to women, the word “d*ck” is used, as well as the phrase “hot for you,” “balls” and the obscene word “d**sch.”

Sex/Nudity: I was not expecting any sex or nudity in this film, given the rating. Unfortunately, there is some that I must mention. A reference to homosexual marriage is made. Officer Mercer is seen at the beginning of the film in her pajamas. One of the main characters in seen changing clothes, and the viewer sees her in nothing but her underwear and bra. A couple sexual conversations occur between two characters. Lastly, another woman is seen in her bra.

As you may have guessed from this film’s title, “Man on a Ledge” deals with the idea of suicide. Suicide is never the answer to anything. The Bible makes it very clear that we are not in control of our own lives, we are alive to serve God. That means we do not have the right to take our own lives. God loves us too much to let us do that to ourselves. The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20,

“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (New International Version).

As I said before, I was really looking forward to this film. However, due the underdeveloped plot, violence, sex/nudity, and heavy amounts of profanity, I cannot recommend this film.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Moderate

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.