Highest 2 Lowest: All Swag, No Substance

Denzel Washington exudes his trademark swag in Highest to Lowest, delivering the kind of cool, magnetic performance you expect from him. He’s easily the best part of the film, carrying every scene with charisma and presence. Unfortunately, that’s about where the positives end.

On paper, the story feels like it should have twists, tension, and a payoff that sticks. Instead, it unravels into a sluggish, drawn-out series of scenes plagued by awkward dialogue and flat delivery. Much of the supporting cast struggles to keep up, but the weakest link by far is A$AP Rocky. As much as I enjoy his music—his creativity, energy, and flair are undeniable—his acting here is painfully stiff and unconvincing. Every line he delivers feels forced, and it becomes distracting to the point that it pulls the viewer out of the story entirely. He shines in the recording booth, but on screen, the gap between artistry and acting ability is glaring.

The score is another sore spot. While Rocky’s own tracks remind you of his talent, the rest of the music choices feel inconsistent and jarringly out of place in several scenes. It’s hard to tell what mood the film wants to set because the soundscape shifts so unevenly.

What saves the film from being a total misfire is Spike Lee’s eye for visuals. The cinematography and camera work are striking, full of style and texture. Yet for all the beauty on display, Highest to Lowest feels hollow—relying solely on Denzel’s star power before collapsing into a forgettable finish.