by Jeremy Rutherfurd

Created on: March 03, 2009

If you're looking for a film that's smart, sexy and intriguing, watch "Out of Sight." Released in 1998 and based on a novel by Elmore Leonard - who also wrote "Get Shorty" and many other novels - "Out of Sight" has a compelling plot, is well-acted, features a slew of top-notch actors and is tightly edited.

The soundtrack pulls you into the story from the first note, priming you for the opening scene: Jack Foley (George Clooney) walks out of a building, angrily tears off his tie and throws it on the sidewalk. He then proceeds to rob a bank.

The scene that introduces Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez) is equally interesting. She's sitting in a cafe with her father, who hands her a present. He watches eagerly as she unwraps it. "I love it," she says. The gift is a handgun.

Sisco, you quickly learn, is an FBI agent, and in a following scene she happens upon Foley while he's attempting a prison break. The two end up in the trunk of a car, chat a bit, and sparks start to fly.

Now you can't have a film starring these two and not have them fall for each other, but the attraction here isn't contrived. The chemistry is real, the sexual tension almost palpable.

Lest you think this is a romance flick, let me assure you: it's not. The relationship between Sisco and Foley is important, but it's part of a much larger, very suspenseful story.

While in prison, Foley learns about a millionaire (played by Albert Brooks) who keeps a fortune in diamonds hidden on his property; so he and two partners in crime develop a plan to burgle the place. Unfortunately for Foley, another criminal, a ruthless murderer named Maurice (Don Cheadle), also learns of this rich man's secret stash, and he wants the loot for himself.

The story, then, is about how Foley works to keep one step ahead of the law (which is hot on his trail), while, at the same time, trying to outmaneuver and outsmart this rival. Meanwhile, he becomes obsessed with Sisco and can't help trying to woo her.

The scenes are not shown in chronological order - a piece of the past pops up when it provides useful backstory - which makes the audience think and provides several "Aha! That's why he did that!" moments.

The first-rate acting adds depth and intensity to the film, making it a great pleasure to watch. Besides Clooney, Cheadle and Brooks, several other actors are worth mentioning.

Ving Rhames does a wonderful job playing Foley's troubled, religious sidekick. Dennis Farina compliments Sisco as her protective but adoring father. Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson and Luiz Guzman each appear in memorable cameos. Not an ounce of talent was wasted in this film.

Although not of the same caliber as an actor, Jennifer Lopez gives an unforgettable performance. She plays a tough, no-nonsense federal cop, a loving, devoted daughter, and a hopeless romantic who knows what she's doing is wrong, but can't help herself. She also happens to be stunningly beautiful, and is shown to good advantage.

"Out of Sight" is an all-around entertaining film. There's not a boring moment in it. You won't be disappointed.

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