HOW TO ROB A BANK – “Capably directed and stylishly executed, this Robin Hood-has-a-cell-phone actioner goes big on anti-capitalist swagger but comes up frustratingly short on substance”

Screenshot

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: David Leitch

SYNOPSIS

A crew of bank robbers have been using social media to document heists that they have pulled off, leading to pursuit from the police.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Capably directed and stylishly executed, this Robin Hood-has-a-cell-phone actioner goes big on anti-capitalist swagger but comes up frustratingly short on substance. Yep, director David Leitch brings his usual bang-bang energy to the proceedings, delivering the requisite mayhem, slick set pieces and hard-hitting action. There’s certainly no shortage of style here. Unfortunately, the whole “down with the system” message feels pretty played out at this point - and the film doesn’t exactly offer a fresh perspective on it. Take away the YouTube gimmick, and you’re left with an overly familiar, even predictable, story that feels like it’s been told a dozen times before. The supposed cat-and-mouse game at the centre of it all never gets particularly compelling, either. There’s little tension to back-and-forth with the authorities, and even less depth to most of the characters involved. To be fair, there are some interesting things done with Nicholas Hoult and Pete Davidson’s respective characters, giving us just enough to latch onto and, occasionally, root for them. But everyone else? Not so much. And I think that’s the biggest problem here: you just don't care enough. The film can throw all the explosions, flashy camerawork, and rebellious posturing at the screen that it wants, but without characters worth investing in or stakes that really land, it all feels a little hollow. Ultimately, this is another steal-from-the-rich-and-give-to-the-poor tale dressed up in modern-day clothing. Only this time, it comes with a YouTube channel, a modern day revolutionary attitude and a very heavy spray-paint job.

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