Crime Spree (2003)

Directed by Brad Mirman
Starred Gérard Depardieu, Harvey Keitel, Johnny Hallyday, Renaud, Said Taghmaoui, Stéphane Freiss, Albert Dray, Shawn Lawrence, Joanne Kelly, Richard Bohringer, Abe Vigoda, ...
2003, United Kingdom, Canada, English, French, 105 minutes.

A comedy heist with French sauce. This caper movie brings big names together like Gérard Depardieu and Harvey Keitel as well as big musical names like Johnny Hallyday and Renaud. It is about a group of dumb thieves trying to pull some robberies on the order of their employer, but the things get increasingly complicated and funny once they are given a new job at overseas, in America.

I can't give more information than this to avoid spoilers, but especially if you like comedies, you might really enjoy it. You can take it as a satire to heist movies genre, as well. As a person who is more distant to comedies than other genres, I enjoyed it while it lasted.

The movie won Audience Award in Commonwealth Film Festival.

To see the whole blog, click here. 

If you look for;

A comedy heist movie with French sauce
A heist movie with big names



then this is your movie.

* * *

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

(available in the blog)

The Art of the Steal (2013)
The Ladykillers (1955)

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Flypaper (2011)
The Ladykillers (2004)


* * *

Degree: Caper Movie

Sub-Category: Burglary, Safe Robbery, Art Theft

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 1/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 1/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 2/5

Actors' Performances: 3/5

Excitement Level: 2/5

Surprise Level: 3/5

Humor Level: 4/5

Originality of the Story in General: 2/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 2/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 2/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

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.

The First Great Train Robbery (1978)

Directed by Michael Crichton
Starred Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland, Lesley-Anne Down, Alan Webb,  Malcolm Terris, Robert Lang, Michael Elphick, Wayne Sleep, Pamela Salem, Gabrielle Lloyd, George Drowning, ...
1978, United Kingdom, English, 110 minutes.

Originally titled as The First Great Train Robbery, but also known as The Great Train Robbery is a true heist movie classic. It wouldn't be possible to have a blog on heist movies without talking about this movie. 

The largest part of the movie is lengthy and entertaining preparations of a well-detailed robbery. You would find every element of a good robbery without disappointment.  The story of the movie is based on a Michael Crichton novel also based loosely on a real life train robbery took place in 1855. 

An interesting note on making of the film is Sean Connery does all his own stunts on the top of a moving train which travels over 80 km per hour. Also, the actor who played Clean Billy, who climb up the wall and who also does his own stunts was one of United Kingdom's premiere ballet dancers.

It is a robbery movie a true heist movie fan would enjoy very much. Anyway, if you are into the genre, you should know that this movie is often listed in many listings as one of the best robbery movies of all times.

To see the whole blog, click here. 

If you look for;

a heist based on a true story

a well-organized robbery movie

a team-work heist movie

a heist movie with great actors

a period-heist movie 

a heist classic

then this is your movie.

***

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

(available in the blog)

Entrapment (1999)

Ocean's Eleven (1960)

Rififi / Du Rififi Chez Des Hommes (1955)

***  

Degree: Pure Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Pickpocketing, Gold Robbery, Train Robbery

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 4/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 4/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 4/5

Actors' Performances: 4/5

Excitement Level: 3/5

Surprise Level: 2/5

Humor Level: 1/5

Originality of the Story in General: 4/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 4/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 3/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

The Ladykillers (1955)

Directed by Alexander Mackendrick

Starred Alec Guinness, Cecil Parker, Herbert Lom, Peter Sellers, Dany Green, Jack Warner, Katie Johnson ...

1955, United Kingdom, English

 

Here is the original The Ladykillers that Coen Brothers made a remake in 2004, also available in the blog. 1955 British production with big stars like Alec Guinness and Peter Sellers offers a great caper movie, a classic in its genre and promises lots of laughter.

I enjoyed this movie very much and although I am fan of both Coen Brothers and Tom Hanks, I like this one much better than its 2004 remake.

A very sympathetic movie, smoothly progresses and makes you often smile. I am aware that comedy is a very special genre, and everybody`s likes or dislikes on the examples of the genre might vary dramatically. But, hell, this one was exactly for me :)

The lead actress, Katie Johnson did a great job in my opinion and I cannot think that I would enjoy this movie without her as much. The interesting thing is she was director Mackendrick`s original choice for the role, but the producers found her a little too frail for the job, so they cast a younger actress who sadly passed away before the filming began. Katie Johnson was 77 years old back then, did only one more movie after this one and passed away only 2 years later after The Ladykillers was released.

The Ladykillers was nominated for Best Writing & Original Screenplay for Academy Awards. Katie Johnson won Best British Actress award and William Rose won Best British Screenplay award in BAFTA, where the movie was nominated for Best British Film and Best Film from any Source categories.

If you like capers, or comedies, I believe you have to try this one if you haven`t already done so.

To see the whole blog, click here. 

 

 

If you look for;

a caper movie considered as classic
an award winner heist movie
a nostalgic robbery movie
a heist movie with a great cast
a heist with lots of laughter

then this is your movie.

***

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

Flypaper (2011)
The Ladykillers (2004)
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
My Mom`s New Boyfriend (2008)
Crime Spree (2003)
Pink Panther (1963)
Quick Change (1990)
I soliti ignori / Big Deal on Madonna Street (1958)

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

The Ladykillers (2004)

***  

Degree: Caper Movie

Sub-Category: Armored Car Robbery, Bank Robbery

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 2/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 3/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 2/5

Actors' Performances: 4/5

Excitement Level: 2/5

Surprise Level: 2/5

Humor Level: 4/5

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.

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)

Directed by Tony Scott
Starred Denzel Washington, John Travolta, Luis Guzman, John Turturro, Ramon Rodriguez, James Gandolfini,  ...

2009, United States & United Kingdom, English, 106 minute.

One of the last movies the director Tony Scott has filmed before he had passed away. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is a remake of the 1974 heist movie. Packed with action, the movie mainly benefits from Washington's and Travolta's impressive actings. Not much to say, nor to remember, except for having passed good time, while it lasted. Nominated for Teen Choice Award for the category of Choice Summer Drama Movie. 

To see the whole blog, click here.

If you look for;

a heist packed with action
a remake heist
a tensed heist thriller
a famous heist movie

then this is your movie.

***

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

Armored (2009)

***

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

The Italian Job (2003) 

Armored (2009)

Inside Man (2006) 

***

Degree: Alternative Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Ransom Heist
Excellence of Robbery Plan: 3/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 3/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 2/5

Actors' Performances: 3/5

Excitement Level: 2/5

Surprise Level: 2/5

Humor Level: 1/5

Originality of the Story in General: 2/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 2/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 2/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

Inception (2010)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Lewitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Tom Berenger, Cillian Murphy, Dileep Rao, Marion Cotillard, Pete Poslethwaite, Michael Caine, Lukas Haas...

2010, United States & United Kingdom, English

I guess nobody would qualify this movie as a heist movie at first glance. The movie is so cool, different and original that you can hardly categorize it. But when you think on it, it is a pure and great robbery movie. If not, it is an inception movie :) A team work, well-organized theft (inception), so what else you need to qualify as robbery movie. Because they try to steal 'ideas'?

The movie is a little bit confusing in the opening. Then we start to understand. Editing, cinematography and scenario are first class. A truly memorable movie. If not for robbery movie, you must have it for your collection as a cinema fan.

The movie won 4 Oscars. Cinematography, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Visual Effects. Yes, a robbery movie with visual effects. Nominated for Oscars for another 4 category, including Best Picture and Screenplay. It was nominated for Best Science-Fiction Film in Saturn Awards, also known as Sci-Fi Oscars. Won 4 BAFTA Awards, and nominated for 6 other categories. 4 Golden Globes nominations. And many more wins and nominations in other festivals or awards. Plus a 'cult' status almost right after it was released. Best part of it, the discussions over the movie's story. Everybody has a different opinion about what the movie is about. With a very deep subtext, it is especially a kind of movie for the audience who loves psychological analysis.

To see the whole blog, please click here.

If you look for;

a heist movie with a complicated robbery plan

a puzzle-like robbery

a serious robbery movie

surprises

a movie fully focused on the robbery

a completely different robbery movie

a team work robbery

an original story

endless discussions over the story

a movie with deep subtext

a psychological analysis

then this is your movie

***

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

Inside Man (2006)
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Seven Thieves (1960)
The Sting (1973)
Now You See Me (2013)

***

Degree: Pure Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Idea Theft

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 5/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 5/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 5/5

Actors' Performances: 4/5

Excitement Level: 5/5

Surprise Level: 5/5

Humor Level: 1/5

Originality of the Story in General: 5/5

Rating As A Robbery/Heist Movie: 4/5

Rating the Movie As A Whole: 5/5

Important Reminder: Below trailer might contain important spoilers.

Italian Job (2003)

Directed by F. Gary Gray

Starred Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Donald Sutherland, Jason Statham, Seth Green, Mos Def, Edward Norton

2003, United States & France & United Kingdom, English

Another full pack of robbery movie... A great cast, action, surprises. Everything you can expect from a robbery movie. The action dose is little bit more dominated in this one. If the action, cars, guns, chases is the adrenaline-pump factor of a heist movies, you will love it.

Hey, by the way, pay close attention what movie Edward Norton's character watches on TV in the movie ;)

I should also add that the movie awarded Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Movie Award by Academy of Science Fiction & Fantasy & Horror Film Awards and Taurus Award for Best Specialty Stunt by World Stunts Awards.

To see the whole blog, please click here.

If you look for;
well organized robbery
surprises
lots of chasing
a serious robbery movie
a movie mainly focused on the robbery

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)
Bob Le Flambeur (1956)
Armored (2009)
The Art of the Steal (2013) 

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

  The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)
The Score (2001) 
Entrapment (1999)
Ocean`s Eleven (2001)
Ocean`s Twelve (2004)
Ocean`s Thirteen (2007)

*** 

Degree: Pure Theft Movie

Sub-Category: Gold Robbery

Excellence of Robbery Plan: 4/5

Originality of Robbery Plan: 4/5

Quality of Robbery Action Scenes: 5/5

Actors' Performances: 3/5

Excitement Level: 4/5

Surprise Level: 3/5

Comedy 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.

 

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.