After picking Training Day as my recommended DVD last week, I thought it would be a change if I picked a light hearted comedy this time around. So, for this week, I choose Bandits as my pick of the week. Although I saw the trailer for the film numerous times, it never appealed to me. So when I rented the flick, I was a little skeptical about what I was going to see. Much to my surprise, I found the movie to be fairly enjoyable with a good amount of laughs to back it up.
The Movie
The film revolves around Joe Blake and Terry Collins, the two most successful bank robbers in America. The movie opens with the two going for one last hit and are found trapped in the bank with no way out.
Then there is a flashback sequence showing how the famous bank robbing duo escaped from prison. From there, the two travel from city to city, robbing banks and covering their trail. What makes the film so entertaining is the clashing personalities between the two stars. Joe (Bruce Willis) is a calm and slick bank robber while his partner in crime Terry (Billy Bob Thornton) is a neurotic hypochondriac. The two characters play off each other perfectly.
The Video and Audio
As for the video, there isn’t too much to it. The film has the standard DVD quality look too it with a clear and crisp picture.
The audio isn’t much different. Although everything from the voices to the gunshots are all crystal clear, this DVD audio won’t blow you away. Both are good, just not great.
Extras
This DVD is one of the few that does not have any audio commentary. Also included on this disc are four deleted scenes, each one ranging from one minute to ten minutes in length. Another interesting extra to watch is the alternate ending. It doesn’t add much to the story, but it’s fun to see.
The best extra on the DVD is the 20 minute long feature called “Inside Bandits.” It includes film clips, behind the scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
Although the movie didn’t generate a lot of interest in theaters, I was surprised to find it is an enjoyable comedy. I never thought the combination of Willis and Thornton would work out in a comedy. But, after renting Bandits, I thought it was a clever comedy that delivered mild laughs and a good time.
