Frequent readers of this column know that I usually have a standout movie pick. These are films that receive five stars. Sadly, since Michael Moore's brilliant documentary, The Big One, no film has received five stars. Some have come close but none have actually gone the distance. Happily, Out of Sight has emerged as the best film of the year in the most unlikely of places--the summer!

George Clooney plays Jack Foley, a most resourceful bank robber in this heist/romance based on the novel by Elmore Leonard, of Get Shorty and Jackie Brown (Rum Punch) fame. The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh who made the impressive independent hit, Sex, Lies, and Videotape. With his sharp direction and an extremely smart screenplay by Scott Frank, Out of Sight could be the sleeper of the summer. It's expertly acted by Clooney and Jennifer Lopez as a beautiful Federal marshal who finds herself in a surprising dilemma. Also notable are Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle, Dennis Farina, Albert Brooks, and a couple of surprise cameos.

Out of Sight is a smart, complicated yet subtle picture, that tells it's story in an interesting way. People will no doubt be confused by the way the story switches between time lines. Don't worry, just pay attention and you will find Out of Sight to be a rewarding experience.

Watching Out of Sight was a pure joy. It's not every day that you get a story with so many colorful characters and complexity. It's easy to see why Steven Soderbergh, Barry Sonnenfeld, and Quentin Tarantino are so inspired by Elmore Leonard's work. It's because he's a master storyteller. Out of Sight is sure to make my Top Ten Best List at the year's end.