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Movie Review: The Bank Job Stav 31 July, 2008 - 11:30 AM

Starring: Jason Stratham, Saffron Burrows

Aaah. The old "Based on fact" subtitle at the start of a film! It's getting to the point where movies that say that could be about anything from mermaids to aliens. And while the heist at the centre of The Bank Job actually happened, the motives of the criminals and the repercussions it brings about are purely fictional. That said it's still a fairly likeable entry into the British gangster movie canon.

And of course who do you cast in a British gangster film? Jason Stratham, who has been in so many of these now, (lock stock, snatch, revolver) I believe he may be an actual likable criminal from the south end. Stratham plays Terry Leather, a used car salesman offered the perfect crime by an old flame who has ulterior motives,(she's working for a government official with ulterior motives, whose working for bosses with, you guessed it, ulterior motives.....)Although suspicious, terry takes the job, recruits his old mucks and goes about the biggest bank robbery in British history. Then things get complicated.

While never going to win points for originality, if you like bank heist movies this one ticks all the boxes. Everyone in the movie puts in a good performance and it moves so quickly it's surprising it remains easy to follow. The fact that it is based on a real robbery adds a touch of documentary to the movie and although the final two thirds is almost purely fiction I still found myself Googleing the crime when I got home.

QUOTABLE NOTABLES:
Terry Leather: You're in from Liverpool, looking for work.
Eddie Burton: I don't have a Liverpool accent.
Terry Leather: Then don't talk to anyone, Eddie.

Eddie Burton: [over radio] all clear on the western front, Guy.
Dave Shilling: [over radio] No names, Eddie.
Eddie Burton: [over radio] Sorry, Dave

STAV'S RATING:

THREE WOOKIES OUT OF FIVE

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