54 reviews
The movie is OK. Cast is fine, and the story is a bit messy in some parts but I guess its acceptable. But 10/10 is NOT. There is some depth but far from enough to move you in any way. It is an entertaining movie but it fails to be a good comedy, if that is what it's trying to do. Jessica Clark is hot as hell and Rob Lowe is Rob Lowe. Anyway it is not a masterpiece in any way but surely watchable. My only problem is really the high scores everybody is giving this movie. It's just weird. I don't know if these are bought accounts, in that case is just desperate. The other problem is that its trying to sell with a poster featuring Rob Lowe and Burt Reynolds while these are not even the main characters. Patriculary Burt who has about 5 minutes in total in the movie and about 15 lines.
- ilirgervalla
- Nov 27, 2015
- Permalink
A thoroughly entertaining expose on the treacherous dealings of contemporary real estate agents in Los Angeles.
The film starts off strong then sags a little in the middle, losing its way a bit when main character Jack falls from grace and winds up a landlord at a slum building. Things really pick up though when he is hired by a sexy vixen to sell a Malibu villa owned by her and her quietly menacing husband (a super fun Lowe).
Not the most realistic and by the book depiction of commerce, economics, and recession, "Pocket Listing" soars most when it is combining both crime genre and dark comedy elements. Give credit to new faces Jurdi and Clark for really turning on the heat and delivering stand out performances which more than hold their own opposite experienced vets like Lowe and Reynolds.
"Pocket Listing" takes a bit to build up but when it does, it truly delivers. 8/10
The film starts off strong then sags a little in the middle, losing its way a bit when main character Jack falls from grace and winds up a landlord at a slum building. Things really pick up though when he is hired by a sexy vixen to sell a Malibu villa owned by her and her quietly menacing husband (a super fun Lowe).
Not the most realistic and by the book depiction of commerce, economics, and recession, "Pocket Listing" soars most when it is combining both crime genre and dark comedy elements. Give credit to new faces Jurdi and Clark for really turning on the heat and delivering stand out performances which more than hold their own opposite experienced vets like Lowe and Reynolds.
"Pocket Listing" takes a bit to build up but when it does, it truly delivers. 8/10
- scarlett-42365
- May 2, 2015
- Permalink
I'm guessing a lot of these reviews are working for the production company in some format. Poor script, unbelievable acting, reality TV style editing and straight to video melodrama. Comical soundtrack and weird camera angles - I just have no idea how this got made or why Lowe and Reynolds signed up for this aside from a favor to someone involved.
- ballouvince
- Apr 12, 2021
- Permalink
Good film with a great cast, occasionally good dialogue, and some great one-liners. The story itself felt a tad bit lightweught for me, but it's still a fun time.
Tragicomic tale of realtor's rise, fall and tricky comeback has some rewarding moments and great performances from James Jurdi, Logan Fahey, and Jessica Clark as the ultimate seductress.
- grahamgreeny
- Feb 14, 2018
- Permalink
Not in recent memory has there been a film which deals with the intricacies of the real estate world, let alone one which features an actual real estate agent as the hero of the film. "I don't just sell houses, I deal dreams" remarks Jack Woodman (played by James Jurdi), a super hot, ultra slick shark in a suit who happens to be L.A.'s top realtor. This guy, or maybe Jurdi's engaging performance, actually made me want to consider studying up on real estate.
Woodman's rise, fall, and ultimate redemption make up the bulk of the story, along with the crazy deal at the heart of the film which amplify the intrigue/mayhem. Satire in the vein of "The Player" and "Get Shorty" add to the mix, producing a film which flies fast, digs deep infrequently, but whose ultimate purpose is to entertain, and oh yeah, to make us all wish we were super cool Beverly Hills real estate agents who find themselves in situations with femme fetale bombshells, Russian mafiosos, Mexican gangsters, and Rob Lowe as a rock star-styled villa owner with a dark side. Are we having fun yet? You will. That's the point.
Woodman's rise, fall, and ultimate redemption make up the bulk of the story, along with the crazy deal at the heart of the film which amplify the intrigue/mayhem. Satire in the vein of "The Player" and "Get Shorty" add to the mix, producing a film which flies fast, digs deep infrequently, but whose ultimate purpose is to entertain, and oh yeah, to make us all wish we were super cool Beverly Hills real estate agents who find themselves in situations with femme fetale bombshells, Russian mafiosos, Mexican gangsters, and Rob Lowe as a rock star-styled villa owner with a dark side. Are we having fun yet? You will. That's the point.
- rustywiler
- Oct 7, 2017
- Permalink
Good movie, but could have used more of Burt. Never the less, it's good to see him back in something legit. He does however have one of the very best lines in the entire film: " I gave you permission to screw everybody... everybody but me." Good to have Burt back!
- lauriejones-59080
- Jun 22, 2018
- Permalink
Light caper almost reminiscent of the kind of con man crime comedies that were made in the '80's, anchored by good performances from the charming Jurdi and the bombshell Clark.
- angelinarevez
- Oct 10, 2018
- Permalink
The Neo-Noir genre has been transplanted into various subject matters from insurance fraud to bank robberies, but in "Pocket Listing," we get a glimpse of the genre in the realtor domain in picturesque Los Angeles. The film almost aims to satirize the stylistic techniques of the genre and sometimes comes off as over the top, but what keeps it interesting are great performances from the super charismatic James Jurdi and Jessica Clark plus a twisty, unpredictable script which has some genuine surprises in it.
A genre cocktail, mixing Scorsese-light material excess with reversal of fortune drama and high stakes, sexy con man noir. But it works... largely in part to solid performances from Jurdi as an amiable anti-hero, Clark as an irresistible femme fetale straight out of a 1950's Orson Welles crime yarn, and Lowe in a hipster wig and a welcome return to the kind of raspy voiced, cool as ice villains he perfected in such comedies as "Tommy Boy" and "Wayne's World." Wish Burt had more of a presence here though, but just happy to see him in something legit. The film also feels a bit out of the '90's, even late '80's style of action comedy which is a bit over the top but never the less welcome entertainment.
A very interesting mix of different genres, but especially a backstage look at the real estate market in Los Angeles. Of all the actors showcased, Jurdi excels and does his job very well. It also must be noted that the trophy Malibu villa is not the best visual. That prize belongs to Clark, who turns Lana into a femme fatale to remember.
- brenbrenlou
- Feb 22, 2018
- Permalink
This is a fun and relatively clever little film, far from perfect and a bit slow to get going but generally enjoyable overall.
What's interesting about it is that it is set in the backdrop of the American real estate crises but somehow it doesn't dwell on the drama of that dilemma. Rather, it spins an energetic crime caper about a Malibu villa and all the players that are trying to sell it for their own very shady reasons. As long as the film stays with this threadline, it works. When it tries to become a bit message oriented with a subplot about a Downtown tenement that's tied to the sale of the house and to the main real estate agent, it loses momentum and becomes less zesty.
Fortunately, it maintains enough energy to keep the audience engaged and one most give credit to the younger actors in the film for really carrying it nicely. Lowe and Reynolds have smaller parts but it's really the fresh faced ingenues that make this film pop. Overall, "Pocket Listing" is certainly ambitious, somewhat flawed but undeniably compelling.
What's interesting about it is that it is set in the backdrop of the American real estate crises but somehow it doesn't dwell on the drama of that dilemma. Rather, it spins an energetic crime caper about a Malibu villa and all the players that are trying to sell it for their own very shady reasons. As long as the film stays with this threadline, it works. When it tries to become a bit message oriented with a subplot about a Downtown tenement that's tied to the sale of the house and to the main real estate agent, it loses momentum and becomes less zesty.
Fortunately, it maintains enough energy to keep the audience engaged and one most give credit to the younger actors in the film for really carrying it nicely. Lowe and Reynolds have smaller parts but it's really the fresh faced ingenues that make this film pop. Overall, "Pocket Listing" is certainly ambitious, somewhat flawed but undeniably compelling.
- julia-59299
- Nov 27, 2015
- Permalink
A redemption story about a scummy real estate agent who falls from grace, becomes a slumlord, and then gets a comeback shot at the mother of dirty deals. Good story and excellent acting
- marychriss-29626
- Mar 1, 2018
- Permalink
" Los Angeles... gorgeous girls, golden sunshine, and money! " and so this modern day morality tale set in the city of Angels begins. Good performances carry the film through its sometimes uneven pace, but the fun really kicks in when the Malibu villa comes into play.
- gocolettego
- Mar 15, 2018
- Permalink
A Guy Ritchie style, highly entertaining flick involving realtors, gangsters of all kinds, a hot babe, a badass rob Lowe, and a Malibu villa. Could u ask for anything more?
- lydiamartini
- Mar 27, 2018
- Permalink
They've made great films about Wall Street, bankers, stock brokers, and even insurance salesmen. But not in recent memory has the real estate agent been a prominent film character. Now, we finally have it -- the real estate EPIC, and I'll be darned if it isn't damn good.
"Pocket Listing" romanticizes and embellishes the lifestyle of gaudy, smooth-talking Los Angeles realtor Jack (brilliantly and subtly played by newcomer Jurdi), who goes from hot tub orgies to cleaning toilets after some double dealing and a ruthless rival (Fahey, coldly terrific) contribute to his demise. As one of the film's main messages makes itself clear, you're only one deal away from hitting the jackpot or going bust.
The hook of the film is how it shrewdly presents parallel universes within the same town, showing major contrasts between Jack's lifestyle over the course of a short period of time. In that sense, the film becomes not just a character journey but also the story of a city, presenting a hodge podge of different characters from varying ends of the economic spectrum. Some are filthy rich, others are dirt poor, and a few may be somewhat criminal- - but they are all chasing the American Dream of infinite excess and uninhibited desires.
The American Dream has assumed many forms in cinema, but in "Pocket Listing" it embodies itself in the shape of a lavish, truly spectacular Malibu villa which just happens to be all of the characters' ticket to the big time. Watching Jack climb back out of the abyss and eventually take on the dangerous comeback attempt involving not just the house but also its owners -- a smooth as silk but oh so dangerous Rob Lowe and an extremely tempting femme fetal (newcomer Clark, chewing up the scenery here and looking to die for) -- makes up for the film's relentlessly engaging latter half. The plot twists and unexpected developments pile up as the story reaches its explosive climax.
It's tough to really place "Pocket Listing" in terms of pure genre. It's a combination of funny, sad, thrilling, sexy, and even at times unexpectedly moving. As far as light crime films go, this one's a hell of a good deal.
"Pocket Listing" romanticizes and embellishes the lifestyle of gaudy, smooth-talking Los Angeles realtor Jack (brilliantly and subtly played by newcomer Jurdi), who goes from hot tub orgies to cleaning toilets after some double dealing and a ruthless rival (Fahey, coldly terrific) contribute to his demise. As one of the film's main messages makes itself clear, you're only one deal away from hitting the jackpot or going bust.
The hook of the film is how it shrewdly presents parallel universes within the same town, showing major contrasts between Jack's lifestyle over the course of a short period of time. In that sense, the film becomes not just a character journey but also the story of a city, presenting a hodge podge of different characters from varying ends of the economic spectrum. Some are filthy rich, others are dirt poor, and a few may be somewhat criminal- - but they are all chasing the American Dream of infinite excess and uninhibited desires.
The American Dream has assumed many forms in cinema, but in "Pocket Listing" it embodies itself in the shape of a lavish, truly spectacular Malibu villa which just happens to be all of the characters' ticket to the big time. Watching Jack climb back out of the abyss and eventually take on the dangerous comeback attempt involving not just the house but also its owners -- a smooth as silk but oh so dangerous Rob Lowe and an extremely tempting femme fetal (newcomer Clark, chewing up the scenery here and looking to die for) -- makes up for the film's relentlessly engaging latter half. The plot twists and unexpected developments pile up as the story reaches its explosive climax.
It's tough to really place "Pocket Listing" in terms of pure genre. It's a combination of funny, sad, thrilling, sexy, and even at times unexpectedly moving. As far as light crime films go, this one's a hell of a good deal.
I can't decide who I have a bigger crush on... Jessica Clark, James Jurdi, or Rob Lowe. Hmmm... I'll take all three. Movie was fun too.
- kimlorraine-42585
- May 27, 2018
- Permalink
A sophisticated black comedy about karma, revenge, redemption, and crooked real estate deals.
What I enjoyed most about "Pocket Listing" was the way it blended social messages with embellished, exaggerated action. Driven by first-rate performances from Lowe, Reynolds plus a crew of gifted unknowns (Jurdi, Fahey, Clark), the story keeps you invested from start to finish as the viewer follows the journey of a Los Angeles real estate agent as he falls from grace and then gets a shot at a comeback which proves to be quite a dicey proposition.
The film's momentum really builds once the agent starts trying to sell a lavish Malibu villa, with sexy twists and turns taking the plot into unforeseen directions.
Throughout the whole show, laces of dark humor and Coen-brother like quirkiness seeps into the drama and elevates the material.
Bottom line-- this is a terrific sleeper filled with surprises and unexpected laughs. Not to be missed.
What I enjoyed most about "Pocket Listing" was the way it blended social messages with embellished, exaggerated action. Driven by first-rate performances from Lowe, Reynolds plus a crew of gifted unknowns (Jurdi, Fahey, Clark), the story keeps you invested from start to finish as the viewer follows the journey of a Los Angeles real estate agent as he falls from grace and then gets a shot at a comeback which proves to be quite a dicey proposition.
The film's momentum really builds once the agent starts trying to sell a lavish Malibu villa, with sexy twists and turns taking the plot into unforeseen directions.
Throughout the whole show, laces of dark humor and Coen-brother like quirkiness seeps into the drama and elevates the material.
Bottom line-- this is a terrific sleeper filled with surprises and unexpected laughs. Not to be missed.
- jad-shababi
- Nov 24, 2014
- Permalink
What a ride...
Expertly directed by Conor Allyn, this twisty, unpredictable, darkly comic Los Angeles fable takes you on a tour of some wonderfully amoral characters as they hustle, bustle, wheel, deal, and scheme their way through the maze of real estate.
At its core is a rise and fall morality play, but what makes the film so damn enjoyable and engaging is its sardonic, humorous edge and its bitingly satirical look at material excess and the extreme juxtaposition between the haves and the have notes.
Written with zeal and luster by confident and charismatic lead Jurdi, "Pocket Listing" is a hybrid of various genre films yet manages to maintain a smooth, even tone. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, with every player giving it their all and a little more. Watch out for drop dead beauty scene stealer Clark, who just oozes with raw talent and unbridled sexuality.
This is the kind of film that rarely gets made anymore and that doesn't always face the best odds in today's marketplace of bombastic blockbusters, but for my dollar, it's as good as anything I've seen in a while.
Expertly directed by Conor Allyn, this twisty, unpredictable, darkly comic Los Angeles fable takes you on a tour of some wonderfully amoral characters as they hustle, bustle, wheel, deal, and scheme their way through the maze of real estate.
At its core is a rise and fall morality play, but what makes the film so damn enjoyable and engaging is its sardonic, humorous edge and its bitingly satirical look at material excess and the extreme juxtaposition between the haves and the have notes.
Written with zeal and luster by confident and charismatic lead Jurdi, "Pocket Listing" is a hybrid of various genre films yet manages to maintain a smooth, even tone. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, with every player giving it their all and a little more. Watch out for drop dead beauty scene stealer Clark, who just oozes with raw talent and unbridled sexuality.
This is the kind of film that rarely gets made anymore and that doesn't always face the best odds in today's marketplace of bombastic blockbusters, but for my dollar, it's as good as anything I've seen in a while.
- cinemamaestro1
- Nov 19, 2014
- Permalink
I am a sucker for movies set in the city of Angels. From "Heat" to "Collateral" to "The Player" to "Nightcrawler," I just find that L.A. is such a cinematic city, no pun intended. Something about its landscape, climate, and sprawling geography make it an outstanding backdrop for all kinds of fascinating stories.
Now, we can welcome "Pocket Listing" to the list of awesome movies which have put the great town of L.A. to use. In fact, not only does the film put its setting to use, it practically turns it into one of the main characters of the plot. Set in the high stakes world of competitive real estate around the economic crash, "Listing" examines one agent's ascent and descent from the hills of Hollywood to the slums of Downtown. The film uses the landscape not only as pretty scenery but also to depict the varying degrees of distinction between those fortunate enough to have survived and thrived during the recession to those who weren't so lucky and had to live hand to mouth.
Guiding us through both worlds is our protagonist Jack (Jurdi, who I haven't seen much of before but carries the film beautifully). As he wheels and deals and finally lands himself a potential "make it or break it" deal at a palatial Malibu villa which has all kind of strings attached, the film veers between dark comedy, lightweight thriller, and zingy socioeconomic commentary. Throughout it all, we have terrific performances pushing things forward, from Lowe to Reynolds to the excellent Fahey and Clark (also up and comers who have hopefully bright futures).
"Pocket Listing" could be looked at as many things: a real estate movie, a morality play, a sexy, comedic thriller, but I most prefer to place it in the category of great genre movies about L.A. The city tells its story in this film, and in the end the story becomes a wide-ranging tall tale of a city and its inhabitants.
Now, we can welcome "Pocket Listing" to the list of awesome movies which have put the great town of L.A. to use. In fact, not only does the film put its setting to use, it practically turns it into one of the main characters of the plot. Set in the high stakes world of competitive real estate around the economic crash, "Listing" examines one agent's ascent and descent from the hills of Hollywood to the slums of Downtown. The film uses the landscape not only as pretty scenery but also to depict the varying degrees of distinction between those fortunate enough to have survived and thrived during the recession to those who weren't so lucky and had to live hand to mouth.
Guiding us through both worlds is our protagonist Jack (Jurdi, who I haven't seen much of before but carries the film beautifully). As he wheels and deals and finally lands himself a potential "make it or break it" deal at a palatial Malibu villa which has all kind of strings attached, the film veers between dark comedy, lightweight thriller, and zingy socioeconomic commentary. Throughout it all, we have terrific performances pushing things forward, from Lowe to Reynolds to the excellent Fahey and Clark (also up and comers who have hopefully bright futures).
"Pocket Listing" could be looked at as many things: a real estate movie, a morality play, a sexy, comedic thriller, but I most prefer to place it in the category of great genre movies about L.A. The city tells its story in this film, and in the end the story becomes a wide-ranging tall tale of a city and its inhabitants.
- sarahferrah
- Feb 1, 2015
- Permalink
Sex, drugs, and... real estate!
This film has a little bit of everything... great scenery, beautiful women, nefarious characters, a stunning bombshell, and a suave anti-hero. On a superficial level, the film is more than pleasing to the eyes and exceptionally well directed by Allyn, who transports us into this fantastic world of corrupt characters and fringe players.
But what's more impressive about the film is the way it allows you to sympathize and care for the character's arc. The performances are all gold, led by the superb Jurdi as the morally gray broker who learns some life lessons, aided by a great Fahey as a villain you love to hate, a drop dead gorgeous Clark as a simultanously manipulative but vulnerable trophy wife, and veterans Lowe and Reynolds in small but notable roles.
But above all, "Pocket Listing" is just a good time. Check it out..
This film has a little bit of everything... great scenery, beautiful women, nefarious characters, a stunning bombshell, and a suave anti-hero. On a superficial level, the film is more than pleasing to the eyes and exceptionally well directed by Allyn, who transports us into this fantastic world of corrupt characters and fringe players.
But what's more impressive about the film is the way it allows you to sympathize and care for the character's arc. The performances are all gold, led by the superb Jurdi as the morally gray broker who learns some life lessons, aided by a great Fahey as a villain you love to hate, a drop dead gorgeous Clark as a simultanously manipulative but vulnerable trophy wife, and veterans Lowe and Reynolds in small but notable roles.
But above all, "Pocket Listing" is just a good time. Check it out..
- mahammache
- Dec 6, 2014
- Permalink
Movies like "Pocket Listing" are a dying breed. The smart, crime thriller is a rarity these days, but one that laces its cleverly constructed plot with welcome doses of dark humor and satire is an even more extinct cinema species.
The film is set in and around the greater Los Angeles area, following the ups and downs of a semi-shady real estate agent (played by talented new face Jurdi, who also wrote the razor sharp script) as he goes from hot shot yuppie to broken-down pauper. When he is hired to execute the mother of all real estate deals for a mysterious, too smooth for comfort tycoon (a terrific Rob Lowe, playing against type), he discovers that closing a deal may just be a life or death matter.
"Pocket Listing" is really a master's class in acting. The performances shepherd the already zesty material to a whole new level. Jurdi proves to be a more than capable protagonist, creating a character who's flawed but fascinating, slick but sympathetic, self-motivated but ultimately redeemable. Another two new faces who also add a lot to the film are Fahey and Clark. Fahey plays the devious, cruel trust-fund kid/real estate empire inheritor excellently. Clark proves to be an absolute bombshell as Lana, a truly unpredictable and mesmerizing femme fatale of the first order. In fact, Lana could be a distant relative of Sharon Stone's infamous maneater in "Basic Instinct." This is a great role for her, and she owns it.
The film also has supporting performances from some real Hollywood vets. Lowe is all whispery menace as the Malibu villa owner, perfecting the kind of fun, subtle badass we don't get the chance to see him play often. Gugliemi is enjoyable as a local gangster, and what a breath of fresh air to see Reynolds back in a small but notable role as a real estate mogul.
What makes "Pocket Listing" such a hoot is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. The whole film almost winks at you with its unabashed charm and over the top twists and turns. Don't expect this to be the most realistic depiction of the financial crash or the real estate market, but it's certainly one of the most edgy and entertaining films in some time which touches on those issues.
This one's a winner.
The film is set in and around the greater Los Angeles area, following the ups and downs of a semi-shady real estate agent (played by talented new face Jurdi, who also wrote the razor sharp script) as he goes from hot shot yuppie to broken-down pauper. When he is hired to execute the mother of all real estate deals for a mysterious, too smooth for comfort tycoon (a terrific Rob Lowe, playing against type), he discovers that closing a deal may just be a life or death matter.
"Pocket Listing" is really a master's class in acting. The performances shepherd the already zesty material to a whole new level. Jurdi proves to be a more than capable protagonist, creating a character who's flawed but fascinating, slick but sympathetic, self-motivated but ultimately redeemable. Another two new faces who also add a lot to the film are Fahey and Clark. Fahey plays the devious, cruel trust-fund kid/real estate empire inheritor excellently. Clark proves to be an absolute bombshell as Lana, a truly unpredictable and mesmerizing femme fatale of the first order. In fact, Lana could be a distant relative of Sharon Stone's infamous maneater in "Basic Instinct." This is a great role for her, and she owns it.
The film also has supporting performances from some real Hollywood vets. Lowe is all whispery menace as the Malibu villa owner, perfecting the kind of fun, subtle badass we don't get the chance to see him play often. Gugliemi is enjoyable as a local gangster, and what a breath of fresh air to see Reynolds back in a small but notable role as a real estate mogul.
What makes "Pocket Listing" such a hoot is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. The whole film almost winks at you with its unabashed charm and over the top twists and turns. Don't expect this to be the most realistic depiction of the financial crash or the real estate market, but it's certainly one of the most edgy and entertaining films in some time which touches on those issues.
This one's a winner.
- mreviewer82
- Nov 18, 2014
- Permalink