Pocket Listing

Pocket Listing is an American darkly comedic crime thriller set against the backdrop of sunny Southern California. It spins a web of deceit, corruption, love, and betrayal using the real estate industry as its playing field. Playing on themes such as ambition, greed, and lust, this film cleverly incorporates comic elements in an otherwise sinister plot to create a light-hearted yet gripping movie experience.

The film, directed by Conor Allyn, was released in 2015 and stars an incredibly talented cast, including James Jurdi, Jessica Clark, and Rob Lowe. The story centers around the handsome and charismatic real estate shark, Jack Woodman (played by James Jurdi). Woodman's life spirals out of control after he loses his job and reputation following a ruthless backstabbing episode involving his cunning boss, Ron Glass (played by Rob Lowe).

Jack Woodman was once considered as a high roller at his former brokerage firm. However, after a disastrous property deal forces him out, he then resorts to buying and selling properties illegally for quick cash to keep him afloat. Despite his quick-thinking abilities and proficiency in the real estate sector, his life seems to tumble downwards, offering him no leeway to get back on track – or so it seems.

That is until he gets a suspicious proposal from a wealthy, power-driven couple – The Cooks, played by Jessica Clark and Burt Reynolds. They present him with an opportunity to sell their multi-million dollar Malibu estate. It seems too good to be true, aiming at a commission that could allow him to regain his old lifestyle. Naturally, Woodman is enticed by the offer and decides to accept it; that could be a one-way ticket to earn his long-lost reputation and fortune back. But as he gets involved, he soon finds himself caught up in a deadly game with stakes far higher than he could ever have anticipated.

Rob Lowe offers an intoxicating performance in the role of the ruthless real estate big-shot, Ron Glass. Lowe's classy interpretation of Glass, mixed with the right touch of savvy swagger, makes for an enticing antagonist. Challenging as it seems, Lowe's character is equally matched by Jurdi's portrayal of the desperate yet smart Woodman. Jessica Clark plays the sultry and mysterious wife of Burt Reynold's Frank Cook, contributing to the film's tension-filled atmosphere.

The breathtaking aerial views of Los Angeles and Malibu serve as two of the settings in the movie, contributing significantly to the overall look and feel. The picturesque landscapes and lavish properties featured in the film not only add to its visual aesthetics but also effectively provide a stark contrast to the sinister dealings of the beautiful people who inhabit them.

Pocket Listing is just as much about its engaging character dynamics as it is about its sharp commentary on the real estate industry. It reveals the crude realities of the business, painting a picture of it as a world that is superficially glamorous but rotten to its core. Despite being wrapped in a humor-filled package, the film does not shy away from portraying the cunning cutthroat competition and ruthlessness that are the harsh realities of this glittery profession.

Screenplay writer James Jurdi does a terrific job of weaving dark humor with the gritty crime genre. Furthermore, director Conor Allyn manages to balance the comedy and violence effectively, with neither overshadowing the other. Despite the light-hearted element, Allyn ensures the tension never dies down, resulting in a film that commands the viewers’ attention until the very last frame.

Pocket Listing, without revealing too much, is an unexpected gem that cleverly mixes genres. It offers a thrilling exploration of the dark side of the real estate industry through a story filled with twists, turns, and betrayals. Laced with humor, style, and suspense, it keeps the audience on their toes and never loses momentum. Its fast-paced narrative, enthralling performances, and catchy dialogues come together to make for a movie that offers an entertaining yet insightful look into the intriguing world of high-stakes real estate dealings.