Shallow Grave (1994)

Directed by Danny Boyle
Starred Kerry Fox, Christopher Eccleston, Ewan McGregor, Ken Stott, Keith Allen, Colin McCredie, Peter Mullan, ...
1994, United Kingdom, English, 89 minutes.

What about a thriller heist? How well do you think you know your friends? What would you do if you found a suitcase with tones of cash? How far one can go when the stakes are high? 

Shallow Grave is a cult movie from British movie-maker Danny Boyle explores in a very dark comedy-ish style. It was a small hit when it came out in movie theaters, is still considered as a cult movie today. Ewan McGregor became internationally acclaimed with this movie, and if we said Christopher Eccleston also owes his fame to this movie, it wouldn't too wrong.

Shallow Grave is for heist fans looking for an alternative heist movie since it doesn't focuses on 'the stealing act' at all, or for those wants to try the blend of a thriller and heist movie with a subtle sauce of dark comedy. And it is the first thriller-heist movie of this blog. Otherwise, you might be disappointed if you look for a typical heist movie.

To see the whole blog, click here. 

If you look for;

A thriller heist movie
A low-budget cult movie
A heist focuses on post-heist events
A heist movie featuring the characters who are after the loot

then this is your movie.

* * *

If you liked this movie, I believe you might like also:

(available in the blog)

7 cajas / 7 Boxes (2012)
Ronin (1998)
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Armored (2009)


* * *

Degree: Alternative Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Cash Robbery, Burglary

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 0/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 0/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 0/5

Actors' Performances: 4/5

Excitement Level: 3/5

Surprise Level: 3/5

Humor Level: 2/5

Originality of the Story in General: 3/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 2/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 3/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

Heat (1995)

Directed by Michael Mann
Starred Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd, Mykelti Williamson, Wes Studi, Ted Levine, William Fichtner, Natalie Portman,  ...

1995, United States, English with some Spanish dialogues, 170 minute.

Considered as one of the best movies, as well as one of the best crime movies ever made, I haven't seen almost no heist movies listings didn't mention Heat. Often you can see this movie as number 1 in such listings, however not in mine, although I enjoyed Heat very much. 

The movie has received great reactions both from moviegoers and critics. Inspired on true events, many scenes you see in the movie indeed happened, however the real heist character was a lower profile thief. 

It is for sure a pleasure to watch two giant actors of our time, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, the movie offers many unforgettable moments. The first movie ever featured De Niro and Pacino acting together. The famous shootouts scenes, as well as legendary restaurant scene where Al Pacino meets Robert De Niro are only a few of them. Not only dramatically but also cinematic wise, the scene is a real treasure to savour. 

A great cast with Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd and a very young Natalie Portman completes this great team, in case if anything missed :P 

The movie received several nominations in different movie awards such as Saturn Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Young Star Awards, Chicago Film Critics Association Awards etc.

To see the whole blog, click here.

If you look for;

a heist packed with action
a famous heist movie

a movie which bring Pacino and De Niro together

a very popular movie often listed as best crime or heist movie

then this is your movie.

***
If you liked this movie, I believe you might like also:
(available in the blog)

Point Break (1991)
The Score (2001)
Inside Man (2006)  
The Town (2010)
Thieves Like Us (1974)

***

If you liked this movie, IMDb believes you might like also:
(available in the blog)

Inside Man (2006)
The Town (2010)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Ronin (1998)
Snatch (2000)
Reservoir Dogs (1992) 

***

Degree: Alternative Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Warehouse Robbery, Armored Car Robbery, Bank Robbery, Bank Robbers, Character Study/Thieves
Excellence of Robbery Plan: 2/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 2/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 5/5

Actors' Performances: 5/5

Excitement Level: 4/5

Surprise Level: 3/5

Humor Level: 1/5

Originality of the Story in General: 3/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 4/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 3/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

Maverick (1994)

Directed by Richard Donner

Starred Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner, Graham Greene, Alfred Molina, James Coburn, Clint Black...

1994, United States, English.

A very entertaining well-done movie from Richard Donner. Full of turns, twists, surprises, although they aren't big ones.

It isn't often that I enjoy a movie very much, which follows strictly Hollywood typical codes, but I do in this case. And despite a huge hole in the plot in one of most memorable scenes of the movie.

What amazes me with this in particular, the movie is so loaded with cameos from country singers to TV series actors (movie based on a TV series), from western actors to other Donner's movies' actors, from family members of the crew to filmmakers of this movie, it is naturally impossible to recognize all. I love Danny Glover - Mel Gibson scene where there is a very original reference to another movie, Lethal Weapon also made by Donner. And Louis Lane from Donner's Superman :)

The references don't end there, it also references real life gangsters, character's from other movies and western movies doubles etc. Go to IMDb to read all, you will be amazed.

To me, no matter how many cliches the movie offered, no matter how many plot holes, it was a memorable experience.

The movie was nominated for Best Costume Designing in Oscars, lost to The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

To see the whole blog, click here.

If you look for;

an entertaining heist
a heist with full of cameos
western heist
a movie about gamblers and poker
a comedy heist

then this is your movie.

***
If you liked this movie, I believe you might like also:
(available in the blog)

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Nicotina (2003)
Ocean's Eleven (2001)

The Sting (1973)
The Train Robbers (1973)
Tower Heist (2011)
Cop Car (2015)
Now You See Me (2013) 
Organize Isler / Magic Carpet Ride (2005)

***

Degree: Pure Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Pickpocketing, Grifting/ Fraud
Excellence of Robbery Plan: 3/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 3/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 4/5

Actors' Performances: 4/5

Excitement Level: 3/5

Surprise Level: 3/5

Humor Level: 5/5

Originality of the Story in General: 3/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 3/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 3/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

 

Quick Change (1990)

Directed by Howard Franklin & Bill Murray

Starred Bill Murray, Geena Davis, Randy Quaid, Jason Robards, Stanley Tucci

1990, United States, English

What about a comedy movie about a robbery? Although, the movie is at the funny side of the robbery, the robbery plan is brilliant. Once the movie's story shifts from robbery to post-robbery, the genre also turns to be lighter, and if you are picky about comedies, depending on your taste, it might start to decline. The movie naturally has a strong 80ies atmosphere. Voila, you have another reason to see the movie, if you like nostalgia. 

To see the whole blog, please click here.

If you look for;
a well organized robbery plan
a comedy about robbery
a movie half focused on the robbery, half focused on post-robbery

then this is your movie.

***
 
If you like this movie, I believe you might also like;
(available in the blog)

Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
The Ladykillers (1955)
Tower Heist (2011)
Small Time Crooks (2000)
Henry's Crime (2010)
My Mom's New Boyfriend (2008
I soliti ignori / Big Deal on Madonna Street (1958)
Organize Isler / Magic Carpet Ride (2005) 
 

***

Degree: Pure Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Bank Robbery

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 4/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 4/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 3/5

Actors' Performances: 3/5

Excitement Level: 2/5

Surprise Level: 3/5

Humor Level: 3/5

Originality of the Story in General: 3/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 3/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 3/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

 

Entrapment (1999)

Directed by Jon Amiel
Starred Sean Connery, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ving Rhames, Will Patton, Maury Chaykin,

1999, United States & United Kingdom & Germany, English

Long preparations for robbery. Romantic tension between main characters. Finally, the robbery where all these long preparations gain meaning. Surprises? Of course, yes, many. In my personal opinion not unusual, not shocking ones, but we have.

The movie has all the elements what a robbery movie should have and it isn't a low quality movie at all but something is still missing. What is it? Don't know.

When we look at the movie's award career, it also actually reflects this contrast. The movie is awarded for Best Actor and Actress Awards by Audience in European Film Awards, which is one of the most serious awards in my opinion. The movie was also nominated for Worst Actor and Worst Screen Couple categories in Razzie Awards, where the worst ones of the year are selected.

In brief, if you see the movie by knowing that the movie doesn't take itself too serious and by knowing that you shouldn't have high expectations, then you can pretty much enjoy it as a robbery movie. Plus a breathtaking Catherine Zeta-Jones.

To see the whole blog, please click here.

If you look for;

well organized robbery

long preparations
surprises
romantic tensions between characters

a light robbery movie
a movie mainly focused on pre-robbery

then this is your movie.

***

If you like this movie, I believe you might like it also:
(available in the blog)

Firewall (2006)
Italian Job (2003)
Ocean's Twelve (2004)
Ronin (1998)
The Score (2001)
My Mom's New Boyfriend (2008) 
The First Great Train Robbery (1978)

If you like this movie, imdb believes you might like it also:
(available in the blog)

Italian Job (2003)
The Score (2001)
Ocean's Twelve (2004)

*** 

Degree: Pure Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Gold Robbery

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 4/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 2/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 4/5

Actors' Performances: 3/5

Excitement Level: 3/5

Surprise Level: 2/5

Humor Level: 1/5

Originality of the Story in General: 2/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 4/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 3/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

 

Ronin (1998)

Directed by John Frankenheimer

Starred Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgard, Sean Bean, Jonathan Pryce, Katarina Witt ...

1998, United States & United Kingdom, English with some French and Russian dialogues.

'Ronin' is an ancient Japanese term for a Samurai without a master, used in a manner similar to samurai, but represents a freelance gun or muscle, a mercenary fighter or tough for hire on the street or by connections. A Ronin is considered by many to be untrustworthy. The Ronins are cheaper than Samurai, though, and more readily available. Also known as gunslinger, freelancer, cowboy. 

In my opinion, just as the movie itself. We have very professional actors, who make up a criminal heist gang, wandering around, and chasing after a mysterious case. They don't know who their master is. The cast is high caliber, the movie isn't bad, but the movie keeps wandering without a master moment. Lots of, but lots of and lots of twists, chasing and action. After the movie what I remember is lots of chasing, lots of twists, lots of action. The story? Honestly, I hardly remember.

The movie received a nomination as Best Action/Adventure/Thriller film in Saturn Awards (aka Sci-Fi Oscars), but lost to Saving Private Ryan. One of movie's chasing sequence was also nominated for Best Action Sequence in MTV Movie Awards, lost to Armageddon. 

Olympic figure skating champion, famous Katerina Witt also makes an appearance in the movie.

To see the whole blog, please click here.

If you look for;

a movie entirely focused on a heist
lots of chases and action
lots of twists and surprises
an organized heist

then this is your movie.

***

If you liked this movie, I believe you might like also:
(available in the blog)

Le Premier Cercle/Inside Ring/Ultimate Heist (2009)
Entrapment (1999)
Shallow Grave (1994) 
 

If you liked this movie, IMDb believes you might also like:
(available in the blog)

  The Score (2001)
Armored (2009)
Heat (1995)

*** 

Degree: Pure Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Case Robbery

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 3/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 3/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 3/5

Actors' Performances: 3/5

Excitement Level: 3/5

Surprise Level: 3/5

Humor Level: 0/5

Originality of the Story in General: 2/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 2/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 3/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

 

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Directed by Guy Ritchie

Starred Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Steven Mackintosh, Charles Forbes, Vinnie Jones, Lenny McLean, P.H. Moriarty, Huggy Weaver, Frank Harper, Steve Sweeney, Huggy Leaver, Ronnie Fox, Stephen Marcus, Vas Blackwood, Sting, Jake Abraham, Rob Brydon, Stephen Callender-Ferrier, Elwin 'Chopper' David, Alan Ford, Sid Golder, Alex Hall, Danny John-Jules, Victor McGuire, Nicholas Rowe, Vera Day, Mark Mooney, Tony MacMahon, David Reid, Suzy Ratner, Peter McNicholl, Nick Marcq, Richard Vanstone ...

1998, United Kingdom, English

What about a hilarious comedy heist? But this one is a Guy Ritchie movie. When we were watching the movie, my wife asked me if it was a Tarantino movie. Well, years ago, when I first saw the movie, as a Tarantino fan, I called this movie as British Pulp Fiction. Filled with tons of funny and weird characters, Tarantino-like dialogues, details, nothing was missing. I can almost say that character wise, it is richer than Pulp Fiction.

The movie is going between comedy and crime genres but blended with an ecstatic taste. I am very picky with comedies, I almost dislike the genre, but this one is one of the best comedy I have ever seen. Music? Another terrific element of the movie.

If you've ever seen Snatch, it is the carbon copy of this not so well known movie. Snatch had a big stars like Brad Pitt, Benicio Del Toro, it is the only reason Snatch is a huge hit in cinemas, not this one, in my opinion. The ones who have seen LSTSB first then Snatch, mostly had a feeling of deja vu and doesn't like Snatch as much as this one.

The movie won Audience Award in British Academy Awards, BAFTA. Also nominated for Best British Film and Best Editing categories in same awards. Won Best British Comedy Film Award in British Comedy Awards. Won Best British Film and Best Debut (Vinnie Jones) awards in Empire Awards. Won Best New Filmmaker (Guy Ritchie) in MTV Movie Awards.

As I always say. The British are one of the best in making two things: Cinema and music.

To see the whole blog, please click here.

 

If you look for;

a heist movie with a high dose of comedy
twists and turns

tons of original characters
heist over heist

then this is your movie.

***

If you liked this movie, I believe you might like also :
(available in the blog)

Flypaper (2011)
Small Time Crooks (2000)
The Ladykillers (2004) 
7 cajas / 7 Boxes (2012)
Crime Spree (2003)
Shallow Grave (1994)

If you liked this movie, IMDb believes you might like also:
(available in the blog)

Firewall (2006)
Snatch (2000)
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Heat (1995)

*** 

Degree: Caper Movie

Sub-Category: Weed Robbery

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 3/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 3/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 5/5

Actors' Performances: 5/5

Excitement Level: 4/5

Surprise Level: 4/5

Humor Level: 5/5

Originality of the Story in General: 5/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 5/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

 

Point Break (1991)

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Starred Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey, Lori Petty, John C. McGinley, James LeGros, Lee Tergesen...

1991, United States & Japan , English
 

Now it is time to surf little bit. Don't you tired of robbing banks?

A heist movie, whose tagline was '100% Pure Adrenaline'. That's so true for this movie.

What would excite you more, pump 100% adrenaline to your veins? Disguising in ex-American presidents outfit? Surfing against ocean's giant waves? Throwing yourself down from an airplane? Or robbing banks? Well, a gang in this movie does it all.

What about the hardest assignment for an undercover agent? Chasing after some bank robbers? Chasing after some bank robbers who do parachuting? Chasing after bank robbers, who do parachuting and surfing? Trying to leak to bank robber gang by participating their parachuting, surfing activities? Well, an underground agent in this movie does it all.

One of the coolest heist movie ever made, Point Break, features a fast, fast, fast life style and fast heists. If this American-Japanese co-production robbery movie can't offer you the adrenaline you are seeking for, then give up from this blog and consult to 'All the Movies Ever Made in Cinema History' catalogue.

Keanu Reeves won and Patrick Swayze got a nomination for Most Desirable Male category with this movie, and the movie was nominated for Best Action Sequence in MTV Movie Awards.
The director of the movie is Kathryn Bigelow, the only female director who has ever won an Oscar for directing.

To see the whole blog, please click here.

If you look for;

lots of chasing
crazy, cool characters
a heist from a Oscar winner woman director
100% pure adrenaline
robbers with fast style of life

then this is your movie.

***

If you liked this movie, I believe you might also like:
(available in the blog)

  Heat (1995)
Le Premier Cercle/Inside Ring/Ultimate Heist (2009) 
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) 
Thieves Like Us (1974)

*** 

Degree: Alternative Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Bank Robbery, Character Study / Thieves

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 4/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 3/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 4/5

Actors' Performances: 4/5

Excitement Level: 5/5

Surprise Level: 3/5

Humor Level: 0/5

Originality of the Story in General: 4/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 4/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 4/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.