Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Heist (2004)

Plot: The title says it all. Gene Hackman is the thief, Danny Devito is the fence. Together they have a plan to steal Swiss Gold. Complications and Double-crosses ensue.

Best Dialogue:   
-Don't you want to hear my last words?
-I Just Did. 

As a heist movie, this one is in the middle of the pack. Despite numerous twists and turns, we never doubt for a second that Old Pro Gene Hackman will come out on top. Further, neither the Heists nor the action scenes are paticularly remarkable or memorable. There's a distinct lack of tension. Mostly, I was going "Well, that was clever" or "Wonder how Gene's gonna get outta this one". In other words, a celebral exercise.

And while the supporting cast is full of good actors, almost none were particularly likable or impressive. They weren't bad,  just OK. The only exceptions were (1) De Vito, who is suprisingly good as the untrustworthy Mob boss/fence and (2) Ricky Jay who's suprisingly bad as a tough guy.  And Rebbeca Pidgeon and Hackman should have been Father/Daughter not Husband/Wife.

Summary: A definite cut below "The Score".  But much better than Warren Beatty's Dollars.  Almost all Serious caper movies are nothing more than Entertainment Product.  But the best have something extra: a touch  of wit,  memorable characters, breathtaking action or enthralling suspense.  Heist doesn't have any of that.  Its well made, but souless and mechanical.  Note: I fast-forwarded though 5-10 minutes that were predictable. 

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