The Popkorn Junkie

I love movies, but I’m annoyed that I spent time watching "Heist". I really don’t think it even deserves a review. The film reminds me of a crummy 1970’s crime caper movie. I think it was trying to be a film in which twists and turns make the audience wonder what is going on. I must admit I was wondering what was going on, but not because of the plot twists. I was wondering what was going on because of the poor performances and horrible screenplay. At one point the characters were obviously “acting” – trying to fool a member of their gang that they were breaking up. It was supposed to be one of those plot twists that have the audience zig one way while the plot zags another way. It was supposed to make us think the screen writers are clever. But it doesn’t work. It is not even close to working. None of the many zigs work and none of the many zags work. It stinks!

Let me at least give you the basic plot. Gene Hackman plays a professional crook who is nearing the end of his career. He has started a legitimate yacht building business with his wife (who is about 80 years younger than him). Danny DeVito is Hackman’s fence, selling the goods that Hackman swipes. Though Hackman is portrayed as a clever professional, his style is basically smash and grab in jewelry stores. Why they act as though smashing display cases and grabbing the jewels requires Mission Impossible-like planning and set up I have no idea. During one of the robberies, Hackman has to take off his mask and is caught on tape; so he decides to retire, but DeVito convinces him to do one last job, and of course we all know that the one last job before retirement is always fraught with danger.

Usually I can find something in a film that I like – the music, the color, the performances.. something. But this one I can’t even say the color processing, setting, costumes, cinematography or set design was good. It is so washed out and dull looking. The performances are understated to the point of being dull. The script is terrible. The dialog stilted and fake. Just a bad, bad movie.

-- Pappyy ( 1/2 out of 4 pops )

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Other Junkie's opinions.....

Billy Ray ( 4 out of 4 pops )

In the tradition of "The Score" is "Heist", one of the most entertaining action/suspense capers I have seen this year, equally as pleasing as "The Score", with better dialogue. David Mamet films are usually always pleasing and this one is no exception. Just listen to the Devito line: "Everybody needs money--that's why they call it money." It is priceless and pure Mamet. Gene Hackman and Delroy Lindo are fabulous, but it is DeVito who steals the show--it may be his most entertaining performance since his role as The Penguin in "Batman Returns". You've got to love the names in this movie: Bobby Blane, Pinky Pincus, Jimmy Silk, and Mickey Berg-man--they just sound like they're fresh out of a James Cagney film. "Heist" is entertaining on so many levels, I'll just narrow one down and say you should see if for the hilarious and fresh dialogue. This movie is unbelievable.

Mike ( 3 1/2 out of 4 pops )

Heist is a really good film directed and written by David Mamet. If you liked "House of Cards" or "The Spanish Prisoner", then you would certainly like this film as well. The movie is basically about a bunch of thieves who backstab each other at every opportunity. That the story is full of double and triple crosses with everybody trying to con each other and end up with the loot is typical Mamet stuff. Another plus is that the film is more character and story-based rather than action stuff. The acting is simply great. Gene Hackman proves again why he is one of the best actors of all time. Delroy Lindo is also very good here and has a bigger role than most of his other movies. This is one good fun, fast-paced, intelligent thriller.