The Bank Job

Released: 2008

Reviewed: 12.6.09
Star rating: 3 out of 5

Jason Statham (Terry), Saffron Burrows (Martine), Stephen Moore (Kevin), Daniel Mays (Dave), James Faulkner (Guy), Alki David (Bambas), Michael Jibson (Eddie), Georgia Taylor (Ingrid), Richard Lintern (Tim).

Terry is a car salesman with a somewhat mysterious past who is drawn into a bank heist proposed by Martine. What he doesn't know is that Martine has her own reasons for the heist and when she finds what she wants in the bank vault Terry finds it will pull him into a world of corruption at the highest levels.

Apparently based upon true events from 1971 London bank heist that resulted in criminal implications for the police and royal family this is told from the perspective of Terry. The plot is nicely developed and the story well told though the film felt like it was holding back and the energy level possible was never achieved. Maybe I expected more action from a flick with Statham involved though the plot did move along at a good pace.

Acting was decent with Statham putting forth his usual patented performance. Burrows was interesting with good energy at times. Supporting work was fairly well done from most everyone with no over the top performances.

Camera work, sets and backgrounds were well done and the film had a very 1970's feel. Effects were minimal but nicely done. Dialogue and sound were also well done while the soundtrack was somewhat forgettable.

Overall a nicely done heist film with an interesting plot and characters that moved along well but felt average in delivery. Put this in the bottom half of your Must See list if you are a genre fan. Mild nudity, sexual content, violence and some foul language so save this for teens and above.