Review of The Lazarus Project: A Rollercoaster of Regrets and Resurrection
Welcome to the twisted tale of The Lazarus Project, where our hero, Ben Garvey, played by the late, great Paul Walker, goes from a humble life of beer and family to a wild ride of crime, consequences, and a miraculous second chance. Spoiler alert: if you haven’t seen this film yet, you might want to grab a drink and brace yourself for the ride!
Our story kicks off in sunny Dallas, Texas, where Ben is living the American Dream – complete with a wife, Lisa (Piper Perabo), and a daughter, Katie. He’s working hard at the Fort Garry Brewery Company, which sounds like a place where dreams come true, but in reality, it’s just a place for beer and broken hopes. Enter Ricky, his brother fresh out of prison and ready to drag Ben into a world of crime that makes even the most hardened criminals raise an eyebrow.
Ricky offers Ben a chance to participate in a heist involving 12 kg of gold powder. Yes, gold powder! Because why not make your life more complicated by robbing a lab? Ben initially says no, probably thinking about how much he enjoys his job and the whole “not going to prison” thing. But after getting fired (thanks, boss!), he reconsiders, probably thinking, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Spoiler: a lot!
Fast forward to the heist, where things go south faster than a Texas tumbleweed in a windstorm. Ricky, his partner Phelps (Alex Sol), and a security guard meet their untimely demise, which is definitely not part of the plan. And guess who gets blamed for all this chaos? That’s right, our boy Ben, who ends up on death row faster than you can say, “I should have stuck to brewing beer.”
After a brief stay in a cozy cell, Ben is executed via lethal injection, which, let’s be honest, is about as relaxing as a root canal. But wait! Just when you think it’s curtains for our hero, he wakes up in a place that looks like a cross between a religious retreat and a bad sci-fi movie set, in Dundee, Oregon. Here, he meets the enigmatic Father Ezra (Bob Gunton), who informs him that he’s been given a second chance at life. Cue the dramatic music and angels singing.
Father Ezra explains that Ben’s previous life is dead and gone (much like Ricky’s chances of winning Brother of the Year), and now he has the opportunity to start fresh. But here’s the kicker: Ben must navigate the challenges of this new life while grappling with the memories of his past. Talk about a heavy load! It’s like being handed a new car but realizing you have to drive it while still holding onto the wreck of your old one.
The film dives deep into themes of redemption, guilt, and the age-old question: can you really escape your past? As Ben tries to make amends, he discovers that life isn’t just about second chances; it’s also about the mess we leave behind and how we deal with it. It’s a wild ride filled with twists, turns, and just enough existential dread to make you question your own life choices.
So, if you’re in the mood for a film that mixes crime, resurrection, and a hefty dose of “What have I done?”, The Lazarus Project is your ticket to a thrilling experience. Just remember, if you’re planning a heist, maybe stick to robbing a bakery instead. The only thing at stake there is some delicious pastries, and let’s be real, who wouldn’t want a second chance at a chocolate croissant?
In conclusion, this film is a wild ride through regret and redemption, proving that sometimes, life gives you a second chance… even if it involves a lot of awkward conversations with a priest and a mountain of guilt.