The Bank Job (2008) User Reviews

Improbable Reality

[janos451 · 8/10 · 7 March 2008]

If "The Bank Job" were fiction, it would be a fairly decent robbery caper. As it is, "The Bank Job," a veritable documentary and realistic whodunit, is awesome.

Unlike most films, this one requires a couple of advance tips: First, watch it with the improbable idea in mind that most of it is actual, hard-to-believe truth; second, don't be impatient. As the story of a 1971 bank robbery begins, the setting in London, the parade of seemingly unconnected stories and characters is rather confusing, complex, disjointed. But stay with it - there is a crescendo of excitement and excellence.

The true elements of "The Bank Job," some hidden until recently by Britain's "D Notice" censorship law (modified in 1993, becoming DA, or Defense Advisory) are these:

1. A big bank robbery did take place on Baker Street in 1971, culprits never found, money never recovered. After initial big headlines, the story disappeared from the newspapers.

2. There was serious police corruption in London in the 1970s, cops on payrolls of drug dealers and pornographers.

3. Princess Margaret was involved in a series of affairs, some caught on compromising photos which were not published by the otherwise relentlessly sensational British press, under the D-Notice rule.

4. There was a militant British black-power advocate, called Michael X, involved in a one-man, multi-country crime wave. (In 1971, John Lennon paid for Michael X's bail, something not mentioned in the film.)

"The Bank Job" director Roger Donaldson (of "No Way Out") brings together all these true threads in a way that may be true even in its totality, director and cast prevailing over some shoddy work from too many writers.

The content is all true, the context is excitingly possible. Did the government, in trying to prevent exposure of Princess Margaret by evidence in Michael X's possession, mastermind the bank robbery? Was MI-5 or MI-6 (says a policeman in the film: "I never remember which is which") involved, and actually assisting the robbers? Again, possibly.

The cast is remarkable: Jason Statham is the ringleader, the bad guy of "Transporter" and "The Italian Job" turning into a scourge of the really bad guys. Saffron Burrows, James Spader's vamp nemesis on "Boston Legal," brings her remarkable name and looks to the criminally and emotionally ambiguous major female role.

Peter De Jersey is a totally scary Michael X; David ("Poirot") Suchet is a frightening crime lord; and a whole host of top British stage actors fill in big roles and small ones. Don't be misled by reviews speaking of a so-so thriller - "The Bank Job" is a great deal more than that, even to the point that you may want to see it more than once.

I'll Throw a Brick at You!

[WriterDave · 7/10 · 11 March 2008]

Sold to the American public as another D-level action pic staring Jason Statham, "The Bank Job" is actually a crafty British heist flick based on an incredible true story. The screenwriters deserve credit for creating a serviceable script with so many intertwining stories based on little actual evidence, conjecture, here-say, and conspiracy theories revolving around royal and political sex scandals, militant Caribbean drug lords, undercover MI5 agents, bumbling crooks, crooked cops, and double-crosses and cover-ups. It could've easily been a confusing mess, but providing the viewer pays attention, "The Bank Job" gets the job done as crackerjack entertainment.

Though aptly directed by veteran Roger Donaldson, the film does suffer from an overly salacious opening ten minutes designed to grab the audience's attention, some shoddy editing, and an intrusively bad action-style music score. There's also an attention to 1970's period detail in the dialogue and clothes that comes across as caricature and adds an accidentally humorous undertone to the otherwise cold-as-ice affair. However, the details of the "truth is stranger than fiction" tale and the fun had by the ensemble cast make for a breezy way to spend a few hours.

Donaldson also has an eye for the ladies. Led by a smashingly gorgeous Saffron Burrows (looking like a European version of Michelle Pfeiffer circa 1992), the powerful women depicted in "The Bank Job" are far more than just eye candy. Statham is also fairly good as the head of the bank robbing crew, and when he finally throws a brick at a guy near the end of the film, it will put a smile on any action fan's face.

Things get tidied up a bit too nicely in the end, where it seems only the really villainous characters have to face justice, but before the credits role, there are a series of real-life epilogued details plastered on the screen that make the viewer realize maybe this all really did happen. Now that's a jolly good show.

Slow beginning but brilliant pay off

[simonparker1990 · 8/10 · 12 February 2008]

I'll be honest, I only saw The Bank Job because I had some free tickets for an advance screening, had I have not got these tickets I would not have bothered seeing it. The only trailer I had saw for it just didn't really appeal to me, I do enjoy Jason Statham movies, but this one seemed a bit serious in my eyes. Still I went today to the 6.30 screening and was surprised to enjoy it quite as much as I did. Admittedly for the first half hour I did get quite bored, the characters weren't really memorable and the set up seemed really dull. Thankfully when the heist gets under way, and especially the aftermath, the movie hits top gear and left me thrilled. The fact the movie is based on a true story still leaves me quite amazed, as the events that happen seem purely like the stuff that you see in the movies. How much of it is real and how much of it is purely to make it a better movie, a fight involving Statham I am certain didn't happen. The performances are surprisingly well rounded, Statham doing a brilliant job and the majority of the supporting cast getting some great scenes. Alas the movie does start to fall apart under close inspection, the plot is never concluded quite as well as I would have liked, and the movie does have some long stretches where not a lot is happening. If you can overlook this fact then you will a lot to enjoy in this very well made movie.

So onto the performances. As I have said Statham does a surprisingly admirable job in the film. When you look at his CV of films you realise he isn't exactly the most talented actor. In fact all he generally has to do is grumble and hit things a lot. But there is just no denying that the man has a hell of a lot of charisma, in this film he truly gets to display his acting skills. Of course on occasion he delivers a dodgy line, but then if you watch some of the smaller scenes with his characters wife you realise how much potential he has. If given the right material I am sure Statham can truly develop as an actor. Saffron Burrows is brilliant as the slightly suspicious Martine for the first half, unfortunately after the heist she has little to do and the character never felt fully concluded. Still she does have some great moments in the earlier part of the film. Daniel Mays runs off with the majority of the movie as Dave, in fact this looks set to launch Mays career a bit further, he has the best lines and is a funny character. Richard Lintern (who I have to confess I thought was Dougray Scott for half the film) is brilliant as the man behind the heist, in some way that is, and his character is one of the most rounded. Peter De Jersey as Michael X is menacing in his all too brief screen time, but like Martine his character never felt fully dealt with. Still he and the other chief villain, David Suchet, are quite menacing.

The Bank Job when advertised does come across as a typical gangster flick with a lot of humour in it. However when watching it I have to be honest and say it isn't that funny. There are a couple of lines here and there but the movie doesn't really make you laugh that much. Neither is it that big of a gangster flick, of course there are the local gangster running around, and the movie becomes more along that line towards the end. But for the majority of the film it comes across as a slightly grittier and far less flashy Ocean's Eleven. The scenes where they try to rob the bank are definitely some of the highlights, however its the final 45 minutes that stick firmly in mind. What happens after the robbery is just thrilling to watch, will they get away with it, won't they? Things also get a lot darker near the end, also quite violent one scene, or the idea of what was going to happen, made me wince a bit. The film is superbly directed as well, its not too flashy but there are some great shots in there. Unfortunately the music does start to irritate after a while, everything seems overdone, a scene which is meant to be funny is ruined because the music sounds like its from an action movie, it just doesn't truly suit the film all the time. Also as previously mentioned the beginning as well is quite boring.

Overall The Bank Job is a great movie that with a bit of fine tuning at the beginning could make it even better. If you want a smart thriller that will surprise you because of it being based on real events that I highly recommend this. Don't expect an all time classic though.

Above Average Caper Flick

[ericjams · 7/10 · 17 March 2008]

As caper flicks go, all I really hope for is something that succeeds in being both novel and entertaining. My hopes were satisfied by The Bank Job. The plot itself is based very loosely on events that occurred in the 1970s in London. The royal family has some dark secrets. An outspoken activist/petty criminal/drug importer has evidence of these secrets, which he uses as leverage against the government who desperately wants to prosecute him. This evidence is stored in a safety deposit box within a London bank. British Intelligence conjures up a rather reckless plan of employing a bunch of two-bit/amateur criminals to break into the vault, and take the evidence along with whatever else they can carry out. Apart from one intermediary, none of the robbers know the government's secret agenda. Of course, things get complicated whenever the possibility that a bunch of dirty secrets are in the wrong hands, and eventually the movie juggles several interconnecting plot lines, all related to the contents of the vault and their implication on various interests from the royal family, to corrupt police, to the sexual indiscretions of parliament members.

The movie keeps a good pace and never takes itself too seriously. It builds up the plot lines and tries somewhat successfully to tie everything together. There is some good tension, a bit of violence (not much), and eventually, vindication for most of the parties.

The problems with the movie are numerous, but nothing that ultimately destroys the fun. Yes the movie is rife with inexplicably, unnecessary side characters (see female undercover agent in the Caribbean). Yes the movie's dialogue veers into indecipherable 1970s British slang, which gives a comedic undertone to conversations that are intended to be serious. Yes there exist rampant plot issues that make you wonder how stupid cops really are. And yes the acting is OK, at best, lets face it Jason Stracham is meant for British caper movies the way Keanu Reeves is meant to play a clueless surfer cop in Point Break - so while he's not winning any Academies, he fits these rolls just fine.

You could wait for the DVD, or if you are looking for a fun way to kill 2 hours, you should go to the theater for this one.

That'll go nicely with a plate of chips

[Zentaurion · 10/10 · 25 March 2008]

Film-making at it's finest.

Nothing loud and boisterous. No over-stylized cinematography, pointless set-pieces, cheesy dialogue, or over-flowing emotions.

A perfect example of why the finest movie-making talent in Hollywood is British. And possibly the best caper movie of recent times.

Had this been from Hollywood, every fine detail of the complex subtext in the story would have been blown apart. Instead, everything is under-played, the characters are superbly realistic and believable, and the script sharp as a pin. And the cast is a brilliant ensemble.

Worth many repeated viewings for the subtle humour and to get the most out of the twisting plot developements.

Enjoyable, if a little thin on the ground on looks and feeling.

[MAXMILLAIN · 7/10 · 26 February 2008]

Saw an advance screening of this 'True' British crime story last night. True is in inverted commas as apparently the basic facts are true but of course most of the story comes from the minds of the two writers that penned it.

Its an enjoyable film, good story, production wise nothing special; could be a made for TV movie, there wasn't much action surprisingly and the jokes were thin on the ground; a snatch copy it 'aint.

Good performance from Jason Stratham in his best screwed up, looking menacing while surprised face. Good supporting cast with many faces you will recognise (spot the Eastender) apart from a terrible performance from Stephen Campbell Moore who looked like he was on a comedy show. Thought it could have maybe done with a bit more music from the 70's, Just to cement home the era a bit more.

I wouldn't bother spending money going to see this at the cinema, unless maybe its Orange Wednesday 2-4-1, more suited to a DVD viewing or wait till it hits Film Four in a year or two.

Enjoyable, better than average British film, but no Oscars coming its way.

The Best Heist Movie In Years

[Harbinger70 · 10/10 · 9 March 2008]

I expected this movie to be somewhat entertaining, and maybe a bit cheesy. After all, it's not difficult to muck up a heist movie. However, this film gets it all right. The acting is top notch, the story is not only engaging and clever but TRUE (!), and the experience of seeing it is thoroughly enjoyable.

The only complaints I have of the film are that the characters do get a little cheeky from time to time (but hey, they're British, so it's kind of expected), and there's a couple flashbacks/lapses in time that are initially confusing - although everything is clearly laid out about halfway through. Want to see a good movie? Check this one out!

Heist Films Are Usually Entertaining, And This Is No Exception

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 14 August 2008]

Jason Statham is well on his way to becoming typecast. It seems like he's in a ton of these kind of action films lately, although this movie is a bit more subdued and complicated than some of them. At least in this heist flick, there are several twists and turns and you have to stay alert to follow who is exactly on the up-and-up and who isn't, and Statham isn't punching out 10 people at once.

This is another one of these modern-day films in which the crooks, the thieves, the bandits - whatever - are the "good guys" and the police and the government officials are the bad guys. This seems to be a big favorite of the anti-authority filmmakers world in the last 40 years whether it's in Hollywood or London. Regardless, it's a very entertaining film and Statham and company are fun to watch. That's also nothing new as the tough "Transporter" star has become a regular at playing these kind of nice guy/macho/thug roles.

Statham plays "Terry Leather," a man recruited by a former hottie/model girlfriend "Martine Love," (Saffron Burrows) to rob a bank. Statham is a family man but desperate for money and, obviously, not very honest. Thousands of pounds/dollars is in it for the thieves but valuable compromising sex photos are the real goal of the people who want the bank depository drawers robbed. Those want to be grabbed before the owner uses them and ruins some high uppity-ups in British government. Several people wants photos for other reasons. This whole thing isn't simple; there are number of sub-plots along the way regarding who wants what in the bank and for what reasons.

There is also a story involving a Malcolm X-wannabe kind of creep who is into extortion and murder. Actually, everyone is pretty much a creep in this film, just to varying degrees. They are all interesting, too, and several of the minor characters have a good sense of humor, too. In particular, I liked Daniel Mays as "Dave Shilling." Add some very tense robbery scenes, some sex early on, some double-crosses later and you have a very serious Keystone Cops type story where you're never quite sure what crazy thing is going to happen next.

A fun two hours of diversion, supposedly based on a true-life account, but knowing filmmakers I suspect much of this is made up for dramatic purposes. That's okay, we just watch to be entertained, and this is entertaining.

Are you using a Jackhammer?

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 9 March 2008]

Greetings again from the darkness. Based the true story of a bank heist in 1971 London, this is a slick little movie with nothing really new to offer. Long time director Roger Donaldson is known for both fluff such as "Cocktail" and quasi-action films like "The Recruit". His best film is a bio-pic called "The World's Fastest Indian". While this one is not at that level, it is easily watchable, if ultimately a bit empty.

Action star Jason Statham is trying to make the transition to real acting. His short-comings are obvious here in the scenes with his wife. Still, he has definite charisma as an action guy and is at his best in the few high-octane, testosterone-fueled scenes. The weakness of the overall cast is best exemplified by the fact that Saffron Burrows ("Boston Legal") is the second lead in this. She is so awkward in front of the camera that everyone struggles playing off her. The rest of the gang is mediocre at best ... no real standouts.

This one is not as much fun to watch as say "The Italian Job" because it lacks the action of the heist and the fun of planning. Here we get a few shots of some guys digging a tunnel. Most of the action occurs after the heist. The best part is realizing that less than 40 years ago, this job was pulled off by a gang of goofs in a major city like London.

Go in with low expectations and you will find the film somewhat enjoyable.

Quite Atrocious

[gerardmartin77 · 1/10 · 27 May 2021]

One of the usually excellent Jason Stathams worst movies . The movie is so unbelievably corny it could almost pass as a comedy . There is however a you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it bad acting performance by Saffron Burrows . Honestly you'll be watching a lot of this film through your fingers !

Engaging, and by no means bad

[prbt · 6/10 · 14 February 2008]

I liked the film to start with - bit cheeky, typical London "cops, robbers and gangsters" fare. Then after the heist was done, the tone darkened, uncomfortably so. If it had stayed lighter throughout, I'd have enjoyed it much more.

All the actors were fine (I like the fact that you know what you're getting with Jason Statham - you don't *want* him to come across as 'actorly', you *want* him to play the lovable hard-man), the direction was slick, and the film was never boring. Worth a rental when it comes to DVD.

One last comment: I know it says 'BASED on a true story', but I can't believe more than the bare bones are in any way factual.

Familiar, but a whole lot of fun

[Leofwine_draca · 7/10 · 22 June 2012]

Okay, so heist movies are ten-a-penny at the moment, but that doesn't mean that a decent bank robbery flick that ticks all of the right boxes won't do the job. THE BANK JOB, a supposedly true '70s set story of scandal, corruption and one big score, proves that there's still life in the genre yet: this is a slick and efficient movie with style to spare.

Tough-cookie-with-a-heart Jason Statham plays Terry Leather (what a name!), the owner of a small East End garage who assembles a team to tackle a bank robbery. Said robbery takes up much of the running time as we get involved with the meticulous planning and preparation, but of course you don't have to be a cinemaphile to know that there's going to be hell to pay afterwards.

Things take a decidedly vicious turn with the involvement of a seedy strip club owner (David Suchet, playing against type and excellent with it), and from that point in it's every man for himself. Statham relishes the chance to do more than just hit people, even if he does just end up playing the same old tough-but-decent character he plays in every single movie.

Saffron Burrows, looking exceptionally gorgeous, is a fine addition to the cast and indeed the acting is what this movie's all about. Stephen Campbell Moore and Daniel Mays also do well as gang members, and keep an eye out for Craig Fairbrass playing to type as a particularly nasty East End thug.

The real stars, of course, are writing partners Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, who have been doing this thing since the '60s and whose script is so witty, entertaining and well-rounded that it would have been impossible to get it wrong.

A very good British Film

[jkeggen · 8/10 · 14 February 2008]

I also saw this film at an advance screening. I don't normally watch any of the trailers before going, so tend to go in with an open mind. I was very pleasantly surprised, and while it perhaps won't win any Oscars, I thought it was well acted in the main with some faces you'll recognise. It might not have massive appeal outside the UK, however it is a good (based on fact) story. I'm not a massive fan of 70's music, but it wouldn't have done any harm to have a bit more in the background just to give it more of a seventies feel about it. The general mood of the film was good and for me seemed to set the scene well, without going overboard with sex or violence. On the whole, it's well worth a visit, even if you have never lived in that era.

Decent yet predictable caper flick; Donaldson returns to form & Burrows & Statham excel

[george.schmidt · 7/10 · 20 March 2008]

THE BANK JOB (2008) **1/2 Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Stephen Campbell Moore, Daniel Mays, James Faulkner, Alki David, Michael Jibson, Georgia Taylor, Richard Lintern, Peter Bowles, Alistair Petrie, Hattie Morahan, David Suchet, Peter De Jersey. Decent yet predictable caper flick based on the real-life UK heist circa 1971 where a small group of associates knock off more than they can chew involving a Royal Scandal in the making. Director Roger Donaldson is back in form with the deliberately paced yet entertaining genre flick that actually gains momentum in its third act and Statham proves to be the British Bruce Willis with his street-smart charms while Burrows sizzles.

A good-old caper film

[fredrikgunerius · 7/10 · 18 October 2023]

The Bank Job is a good-old caper film both in narrative and execution, made by filmmakers who were trying to recapture not only the aura and atmosphere of the 1970s London, but also to a large degree the production values and tone of classical narrative films of the said period. And the result is a tight, entertaining and to a large degree stimulating film with enough strings to pull and a decent knowledge of how and when to pull them. The direction by seasoned filmmaker Roger Donaldson is dependable, and the large cast of characters work well to drive the narrative forward as if the film was a high-scale BBC production. Despite an alleged royal scandal, some clever twists and an insipid love triangle, The Bank Job will probably not stay with you for very long, but it delivers on what it promises while it's there.

Truly a great heist movie, the Brits really can act.

[Deveousdevil · 10/10 · 24 April 2008]

This will be one of the best heist movie's you see in years. This movie is full of intense action and great wit. You will literally be at the edge of your seat up to the last minute, wondering if someone is either going to get killed or is someone going to get away. It is full of realistic drama, action, ultimatums, conspiracy and lust. At times it gets kind of scary and your heart will beat faster simply from the music. It is based on true story with a few additions of its own. The movie is put together absolutely perfectly.

The movie is neither too long to the point it bores you and kills the story nor too short to where you don't know the outcome. Everything in the movie is timed perfectly and is played step by step. Everything makes sense which although eliminates some surprises, those surprises are hardly needed and are so obsolete that you won't even care nor realize.

Overall the movie is "jolly good". British actors are really much better than American ones. All the emotions seem real and at a few points you'll feel just like the characters, which is great in any movie because it simply makes it more real. One more thing, this movie isn't for the faint of heart, there are a few scenes that are very graphic and gruesome, and a few scenes that should be in a rated "X" movie. Of course this doesn't do anything to the movie except add even more realism too it. This is just extra knowledge for those who may feel uncomfortable or squeamish in such scenes. Otherwise, this movie is a must to watch because it may very well be a classic.

A good job

[MAYESY-44 · 8/10 · 27 June 2020]

Brilliant film with a brilliant story of corruption and dirty cops and about a team robbing a bank. Great story telling and loads of different stories which keep you interested.

Excellent caper flick - well worth watching

[Pedro_H · 7/10 · 6 July 2009]

Small-time London thief Terry Leather (Jason Statham) gets the tip of a lifetime from long-time friend and local East End hottie Martine Love (Saffron Burrows) and forms a plan to rob a bank by tunnelling under the street.

While offering nothing new or nothing that couldn't be done better (more money for convincing period street scenes, for example) this is two hours of solid entertainment if you like your movies with your brain on or off. Well selected cast and being based on a true (and multifaceted) story moves the thing from a B movie right up to being a bargain bin keeper.

In contrast to the average American movie the criminals are not smart, slick or even totally in control. They make plenty of mistakes and do stupid things. This provides puzzle number one: Getting in to a bank is not a game for amateurs and it is hard to fathom why small-timers would try and do a big time job? I am old Enough to remember London in 1971 and while the camera never pans and scans they don't make many glaring mistakes (the goofs section is nit-picking - London was dirtier at the time though). The setting, the hair and the fashions are not too far off.

File under enjoyable-but-not-essential.

Sleezy fun

[thomasjay-2201 · 7/10 · 20 August 2018]

A 2 hour film revolving round the robbery of a bank and the effect it had upon the seedy underworld of 70's London. Set in the world of the sex trade and pornography this is essentially the British version of the Nice Guys as a group of down on their luck individuals steal from a bank in an attempt to make it big whilst one must retrieve some incriminating photos of a respectable British Figure this film is a fun watch and more or less action packed, worth your time

The Bank Job appears to be a face-paced exciting robbery and espionage film. While those things did take place, it was long, slow, and not as flashy as hoped.

[Paragon240 · 5/10 · 16 September 2022]

With Jason Statham as the lead, I expected The Bank Job to have fight scenes and car chases. It did not. Compared to other Statham flicks, The Bank Job was slow-paced and more dramatic than action-focused. Some of the pacing results from the story being based on an actual bank robbery in 1971. As intriguing as that is, it also made the story drag on. The heist takes place halfway through the film, with a full hour of runtime before the end. The robbery's aftermath is filled with political maneuvering and negotiation between several dangerous groups interested in the contents of the safe. With an hour to tie up all the loose ends, the ending somehow felt abrupt and disappointing. The Bank Job has a few cool moments, but even with a strong lead like Statham, it was average at best.

Standard heist movie with not so standard players involved

[view_and_review · 6/10 · 26 October 2021]

"The Bank Job." What comes to mind when you hear such a title? If anything other than a heist movie comes to mind then you are being very imaginative. "The Bank Job" was, in a lot of ways, your standard heist movie, and in many ways it wasn't. Though directed by Roger Donaldson it had hints of Guy Ritchie in it.

The movie took place in 1970 London. A Trinidadian Black radical and small time criminal named Michael X (Peter De Jersey) had some rather incriminating photos of a certain British royal. He kept the photos in a safe deposit box in Lloyd's Bank which kept him out of jail even with all of his criminal activity. Some MI-5 or 6 people wanted those photos, but also wanted to be distanced from whatever means were taken to get them. An agent named Tim (Richard Lintern) contacted a drug smuggler named Martine Love (Saffron Burrows) who contacted Terry (Jason Statham) who put together a crew to do the job. Once the job was done the real excitement and movement of pieces began.

There is a lot to keep up with and you can easily get lost in who's who because there are so many characters representing so many different interests. I liked the pace of the movie and the general theme. I wasn't entirely behind any particular character, even Terry, which made the movie a little less enticing.

Better than Most

[bluey71 · 8/10 · 18 March 2008]

I recommend this movie.

The movie has a well thought out plot. It moves at a good pace that leaves you interested with the actual events in the film.

The acting was well done. Jason Statham continues to be one of todays most under-appreciated and underrated actors. Yes, he does do some questionable action movies, but when you put him in a role where one actually needs to "act", he never disappoints.

The dialog was "catchy" but still believable. The characters in this movie are believable in their "sinister" ways or their "everyday joe" kind of ways. You really do end up hating certain individuals and loving others. There are so many interesting characters that have an interest in the bank heist that you really do want to know how it all ends.

There was no unnecessary violence just for the sake of violence and yet at points, it felt like an action thriller.

In the end, this is a movie with a great plot, great characters, good dialog and an ending with no holes. AND this movie is missing the Hollywood "over the top" quality that has a tendency to ruin most movies.

Definitely worth seeing.

This Film was GREAT!!!

[bradpittsbodyguard · 9/10 · 26 February 2008]

I had the opportunity to see this film tonight and I have to say this has to be one of the best films released in many many months. This film has almost everything you can thing of: Action, torture, corruption, nudity, sex, did I say action-pack, edge of your seat? I absolutely loved it!!!! I had no clue that it was based on a true story until the very beginning credits. The story was beautifully written not to mention the directing and I have to say that there was NOT one slow part in the entire film. The only problem I see with this film is that there hasn't been much advertisement but billboards about this film. I have not seen a movie trailer whatsoever regarding this film and its opening up next week. I would not take children to see this film but if you love fast moving movies...I highly recommend this film!!!! I wanna see it again

The Bank Job

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 13 February 2023]

Based on a true story, Jason Statham does his usual as struggling car dealer "Terry" who is alerted to an opportunity to get rich quick by "Martine" (Saffron Burrows). She knows that a safety deposit box facility is going to be without it's alarm systems for a week or so and therefore if they can assemble a skilful team and... yes, think "League of Gentlemen" (1960) only with tunnelling. Now "Terry" doesn't really stop to answer the obvious question - where did "Martine" get this information? Millions of pounds of cash and jewels in these well protected boxes, well of course - but what else might they contain? Who, as importantly, is likely to get a bit narked if their precious cargos are appropriated. Success will come at a price, and that is something that soon descends on them all once they end up with considerably more than the bargained for. This might have worked better with a stronger supporting cast, but neither Burrows nor a motley collection of British regulars really add much to this vehicle for a star who has charisma on screen and a glint in his eye - but that can only take a film so far. This is quite a dry, procedural heist drama that, like so many of the genre, is more fun in the planning but that peters out once the execution and it's aftermath kick in. It's enjoyable enough to watch, and you can only imagine just how many secrets - state or otherwise - are or were holed up in facilities like these all around the world. Somehow, though, this just doesn't ignite nor live up to it's potential and is all a bit flat and forgettable with not enough action and some seriously banal dialogue.

What a wonderful surprise...

[david-comeau · 9/10 · 27 June 2008]

This was a great movie to watch. I only watched it because of reviews online here and at other websites. Jason Stratham has a bit of a stigma about his movies for me since Transporter 2 and Crank, and this movie was a pleasant surprise, bringing a performance above Snatch and The Italian Job. In this movie, he plays both a realistic character and does a believable job at it.

The plot twists and turns are unpredictable but at the same time believable. It is nice to see a good story (And apparently a true story) told in such a believable manner.

Glad I did not write this off as fluff and actually watched it.