Tuesday 8 February 2011

The Bank Job [2008]


The Bank Job isn’t just any heist film, it is a cinematic rendition of actual occurrences – and that makes the film really more interesting. That, and the fact that it’s a quintessential Brit gangster film. And who else to reprise the role of the central protagonist than Jason Statham; he’s made roles like these his very own, and with his deadpan, devil-may-care persona and Cockney accent, he sure is good as ever as a debt-ridden owner of an auto company who ends up taking the job of robbing a bank in London, all the while unaware that a whole lot of political conspiracy is behind it. A lot in the film might have been fictionalized, yet all that occurs on screen is quite believable. The film is fast-paced, well cast, nicely edited and has its fair share of surprises – facets that ensure that it is tailor-made for an entertaining ride. It is also gleefully violent, amoral and has a raw in-your-face kind of brazenness to it, thus making the ride all the more engaging. Okay, this isn’t the kind of film that would stay with me for a very long time, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy this brisk and unpredictable thriller – the perfect film to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon along with coke and popcorn.








Director: Roger Donaldson
Genre: Crime Thriller/Docu-thriller/Heist Film
Language: English
Country: UK

2 comments:

Sam Juliano said...

Roger Donaldson played the same game here that he did with his NO WAY OUT, and in large measure the film is brisk and entertaining (providing one doesn't take it too seriously, which of course you don't here) You've framed the entire enterprise most admirably, Shubhajit.

Shubhajit said...

Absolutely Sam. This isn't the kind of film that one should take seriously (and as you deducted, neither did I), but the film is an entertaining watch, keeping you glued to the screen throughout its length.