Scott Frank can write good dialogue. That much was known before the scribe stepped behind the camera. With The Lookout, Frank's directorial debut, it can also be known that he can direct good dialogue, pace a good thriller and create a series of characters worth watching with a cast to match.

A buddy/heist genre-bender, the film follows the trials and tribulations of an accident victim – played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt – and is bold and capable enough to deal with themes of bullying, social acceptance and justice without feeling contrived or self-righteous.

In blending the coming-age-drama with a heist thriller, Frank has managed to seduce the best out of both genres with a screenplay in which every word, and action, counts. What on paper may look awkward bedfellows, in practice proves to be the best instalment in either/both genres in years.

It's further refreshing to find The Lookout treating a disabled protagonist with dignity and (empowering) respect. Gordon-Levitt's character, Chris, is one who must find his own solutions to his problems because in this world the authorities don't always get it right and don't always become the hand of God.

It's for all the mentioned reasons and more that The Lookout goes beyond entertainment and becomes inspiration. If the limited release prevents you making it to see the film in the theatre, then please buy the DVD.

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