"Man on a Ledge" is like a hot dog. As long as you don't look too closely at what it's made of, it's reasonably enjoyable.

The purely escapist filmmaking from novice director Asger Leth looks at the efforts of former New York detective Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) to prove he's been falsely charged with the theft of a $40 million diamond. The falsely accused cop gambit has played plenty of times before, but it gets a fresh twist from its towering setting.

Cassidy's plan starts with stepping out on the ledge of a midtown hotel. This is all part of an elaborate scheme to prove that Cassidy never stole the diamond. He gets help with this plan from his brother (Jamie Bell) and his brother's feisty girlfriend (Genesis Rodriguez).

Although the majority of the movie takes place on a ledge high above the city, Leth never creates the strong sense of danger that should come with such a precarious setting. This movie should take the viewer to the edge, but it always pulls back before the anxiety and excitement reach full pitch.

The script by Pablo F. Fenjves falls apart under close scrutiny. There's no explanation as to how these average people can be so adept at high-tech larceny, which includes knowing everything from bomb making to safe cracking.

Fenjves also cheats with the way one surprise character acts early in the film. And he telegraphs who the real bad guys are so early in the movie that the final reveal is anything but surprising.

The most interesting characters are played by Elizabeth Banks and Rodriguez.

Banks finally gets to show she can do more than light comedy as the professionally disgraced negotiator. Her character is believable as both a tough and caring cop. The playful, fiery nature of Rodriguez's character gives the movie some of its better lighter moments.

If you can avoid the desire to dissect this movie, then "Man on a Ledge" is good mindless entertainment. The moment you look too close, it's flaws will take you over the edge.

MOVIE REVIEW

"Man on a Ledge," rated PG-13 for language, violence. Stars Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Genesis Rodriguez. Directed by Asger Leth. Running time: 102 minutes. Grade: B- Theaters and times for this movie | Other movie reviews