sexual content, nudity, violence and language
Run Time: 110 min
Nathan's rating - 3 out of 5

Review by Nathan Chandler for The Mungles on Movies

Copyright 2008 Mungleshow Productions. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

  Terry, a small time London crook (Jason Statham) is approached by a former love interest (Saffron Burrows) with a bank heist scenario, which on the outside looks both doable and very profitable. Wrestling with his family man roots and his shady past, Terry assembles an average and odd team to pull of this risky robbery. What they don't account for is that their actions may affect the way London operates, from the seediest drug lord all the way to the high rankings of the royal family.

Unlike most bank heist films, the robbery isn't the most interesting part. I didn't really get into the film until the consequences of the gang's actions took form. I know it's a bit sacrilegious for faulting a film for setting up the story and characters too much, but the problem is that the details and characters are just bland. Thankfully, things pick up and the story becomes more fun when it stops focusing on cause and turns to the effect. Without giving away too much, all hell breaks loose, and it becomes really exciting and tense trying to figure out what is going to happen next.

  Going into the film, didn't expect it to be like other British crime films. I was expecting more of an independent and over-the-top production like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, but instead it is a British story told in an American style. It doesn't take too many risks but keeps a tight pace that is entertaining to watch, but doesn't extend beyond that. I've always enjoyed Jason Statham, and although he doesn't break stereotype here, I always think it's cool when you can get behind a bald-headed hero. There really aren't too many other big names in the film, and that was more than fine with me. I always enjoy seeing fresh faces and although the supporting cast was good, nothing new was brought to the table.

  The Bank Job's plot revolves around a sexual act and some of the characters include a pimp, a female harlot and a porn kingpin, so be aware of a lot of nudity and sexual content. That is what mainly makes it a R-rated film, but also there is strong language and some brief strong violence, so you have been forewarned. There are much better crime and bank heist movies out there, so I wouldn't necessarily rush out to see this film. If you do go and can be patient with the first half, you'll probably leave having a good time, but I don't think it's a film I would ever revisit again. I give The Bank Job 3 out of 5 safe deposit boxes.

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Nathan Chandler is a video producer and editor who lives in the heart of Dallas. He has a knack for making awesome mix CDs and has a vast knowledge for movie trivia. When Nathan isn't writing or producing short films on the side, he is wishing he was on Survivor, rooting for the Cowboys, or making sweet tea runs to Chick-fil-a. You can reach Nathan at his blog. Nathan also co-hosts The Film Alcove Podcast. Check it out!