Bank Job, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -4

Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows. Comedy/drama/thriller. Written by Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais. Directed by Roger Donaldson.

FILM SYNOPSIS: A used car dealer is persuaded by a beautiful woman to participate in a bank heist. What they dont count on is that, along with all the jewels and dough, there are secrets hidden in the safe deposit boxes that thrust them into a deadly web of corruption and illicit scandal that spans London's criminal underworld, the highest echelons of the British government, and the Royal Family itself. Supposedly based on a true story, there are incriminating photos in the vault that could bring down a Malcolm X type, a porn king and a royal princess.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Fast paced, intense and well acted, its a good action/adventure/drama. But in keeping with todays heist-film capers, we find ourselves rooting for the thieves. While they inadvertently expose other villains, their goal is to steal from others. In most bank robbery movies, the victim is the bank, as if that makes the crime more acceptable. Here, if you look beneath the varnished story, the fact that thieves dont care that they are stealing from others is brought home. And Hollywood doesnt care that they make heroes out of them. At one point, the male lead says hes afraid of living and dying without something to show for it. Its a good line and a great sentiment. But is stealing from others so that you can have an oversized house and a boat a worthwhile legacy? I know, I know, its just a movie. Im sure it wont really give others lawless ideas.

DVD Alternatives: (For a serious heist job gone wrong) The Asphalt Jungle. This is a gripping tale of a robbery that slowly falls apart. Yes, its old; yes its in B&W. But if you can put away a prejudice for films in those categories, youll most likely be swept up in its quiet intensity.

(For a comic alternative) Its a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Wrongdoing is not rewarded in either of these films. Rather, greed is exposed for what it is soul sucking.

Or: Larceny, Inc. Edward G. Robinson stars in this comic caper of ex-cons using a luggage store as a front for their nefarious activities. Again, its old, but its an amusing morality tale. And besides, can someone explain to me why we cant watch old movies?

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Lionsgate