The Heist is a tricky film.
You will question the good guys and you will question the bad guys. You will wonder who is telling the truth and who is lying. You will let every possible option run through your mind.
Thief Joe Moore (Gene Hackman) has a perfectly constructed team, anchored by Delroy Lindo’s character, Bobby Blane. Hackman and Lindo are like two peas in a pod. They fire off of each other perfectly. It seems as if they have been together longer than Tango and Cash.
Unfortunately, Hackman’s character is burnt. In professional thievery, that means the cops have his picture and probably know who he is. So he has to get out of town — but not before the proverbial, one last heist.
Enter, Danny DeVito. DeVito plays Bergman, a crooked guy who sets up the gig for Moore’s last go-a-round. DeVito is funny and punchy. He is quick to anger and slow to apologize. He is a regular hot-head. Moore, of course, is reluctant to do the job for Bergman.
This is where the fun begins. Gimmicks, gags and disguises get the crew where they need to be to do the job. The fun part about watching is actually figuring out how the heist is going to go down.
The quirky script helps pass the time. All of the characters are likable when they are supposed to be likable and hated when they should be hated.
Try not to think too much and you will not be disappointed. This is meant to be a fun movie.
It never takes itself too seriously and doesn’t over stay its welcome. This is a great diversion if you want to miss the crowds for the big Harry Potter weekend.
Movie Grade A-
R, 1 hour, 50 minutes
