Comedy Heist Movies: When Average Non-Criminals Decide to Pull a Heist
In the realm of cinema, few genres capture the imagination quite like comedy heists. These films feature everyday individuals who, for various reasons, decide to commit a daring crime for a chance at the big payoff. From The Tower to The Grand Budapest, this genre has produced some of the most beloved and laughed-at films of all time. Let's take a look at some of the best comedy heist movies that showcase these relatable individuals.
Popular Comedy Heist Movies
The Italian Job (2003)
Set during the Christmas rush, The Italian Job sees a group of everyday individuals, led by Michael Caine and Charlize Theron, attempt to rob a bank in Italy. Filled with car chase scenes and witty dialogue, this film offers a refreshing take on the heist genre. The characters' ordinary lives add an extra layer of authenticity to the adventure, making the heist more thrilling and relatable.
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Featuring George Clooney and a star-studded cast, Ocean's Eleven presents a group of non-criminals, including'dummy' criminals Ceasar, Benny, and Frank, who help Danny Ocean pull off a major heist. The plot is intricate, and the cast's chemistry makes the movie a must-watch. It's a classic and a great example of how normal people can rise to the occasion and become extraordinary.
Go (1999)
Go stars Keanu Reeves as a college professor who team up with a rapper and a hacker to rescue his sister. Directed by Roger Avary and Quentin Tarantino, the film boasts a unique storyline and a diverse cast, including Edward Norton, Sandra Bullock, and Jon Avnet. It offers a mix of crime and comedy, making it an excellent choice for fans of the heist genre.
The Bank Job (2008)
This film stars Kevin Spacey and Mark Strong as two heavily indebted individuals who team up to rob a bank. The movie plays into the quintessential heist plot and manages to inject plenty of humor and twists into the proceedings. Its blend of criminal antics and relatable characters makes it a standout in the genre.
In Bruges (2008)
In Bruges goes a step further by featuring not just average non-criminals, but good-guy crooks, played brilliantly by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. The film is set in a Belgian city, where two hitmen are forced to keep an eye on a hitman in their late twenties. While not a heist movie in the traditional sense, it explores the idea of ordinary individuals caught in extraordinary situations. The humor and poignant moments are well-balanced, making it a standout in the genre.
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
The Thomas Crown Affair follows the story of Thomas Crown (played by Pierce Brosnan), a Wall Street tycoon, and Catherine Bremner (starring Rene Russo), the leading art detective, who fall in love and team up to steal a famous painting. The film combines crime and romance, with a fair share of comedic moments. The characters are complex, adding depth to the movie.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
From Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a masterpiece that balances humor, adventure, and a touch of criminality. The story follows the aging lobby boy, M, and his mysterious mentor, the enigmatic Gustave H, as they uncover a conspiracy at a luxurious European hotel. The film's style is unique and its characters are truly memorable, making it a must-watch in the genre.
The Ladykillers (2004)
The Ladykillers is a British comedy that features a gang of elderly men who plan and execute a robbery under the guise of building a home theater. The actors are a mix of younger and older stars, including Steven Fry, Ben Idlett, and Tom Hanks. The film is a delightful mix of humor and heart, with an underlying heist plot that keeps the audience engaged.
The Sting (1973)
The Sting features Robert Redford and Paul Newman as two con men planning and executing a masterful scheme to catch a counterfeiter. With a touch of classic crime movie elements, the film is imbued with a sense of charm and wit, making it a classic in the heist genre. Its focus on the characters' skills and techniques adds a layer of authenticity to the movie.
The Brothers Bloom (2008)
The Brothers Bloom is a unique take on a heist movie, set in Dublin, Ireland. The film follows two young men, Bloom (Jamie Campbell Bower) and Roebuck (Jamie Dornan), as they follow a mysterious job and intersect the lives of two women, Lucinda (Elizabeth Olsen) and Marguerite (Vanessa Redgrave). The blend of adventure, romance, and comedy is superb, making it a standout in the genre.
In conclusion, comedy heist movies offer a unique and engaging narrative, where the plot twists and turns are as thrilling as the humor that accompanies them. These films feature ordinary people who are thrust into extraordinary situations, providing a blend of entertainment and escapism. Whether you're a fan of classic crime movies or modern comedies, these films have something for everyone.