The title “HIGHEST 2 LOWEST” accurately describes how audiences will feel watching Spike Lee’s latest collaboration with Denzel Washington. There are moments in the 2nd and 3rd acts where audiences will feel the thrill of this ransom-themed love letter to New York, and there are ridiculous elements in the 1st act that emulate the work of an amateur student filmmaker. It’s a frustrating viewing experience that doesn’t quite reach the high note the A-list cast can achieve.
Speaking of frustrations, Denzel’s character, King, can hear perfectly. This has made him a successful music mogul and is the most interesting plot element in the film. Yet, for some reason, the writers steer away from this component, only to have it get stuck in characters’ debates about the risks of social media and the quest for engagement. While that’s an interesting topic, it ultimately becomes the primary focus in the film, where characters discuss it at length while the plot stalls, allowing them to soapbox their thoughts on social media. This worked for Lee in BLACKKKLANSMAN, but it comes across as “tone-deaf” in HIGHEST 2 LOWEST.
Final Thought: See the new Spike Lee film for Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright’s performances, and time your bio breaks for when the characters discuss the impact of social media.
It’s currently playing in theaters and will be available on Apple TV+ starting September 5th.
