Written as part of the weekly blogathon hosted by Wandering Through the Shelves. Play along by picking three movies that fit the week's theme and writing a little blurb about them!
Another week, another edition of Thursday Movie Picks! And a very unfair one!
That's not entirely true.
It's just that, in December, there was a very similar theme: Con Artists. And while not all films about con artists involve heists... well, they usually do. So naturally when I come to this theme, I'm all "I know! Ocean's Eleven!" Except, WAIT. I totally picked that already, and not too long ago at that! So, it was back to the drawing board. But I think I've come up with some good ones. Hopefully you agree! Let's get one thing out of the way first: When it comes to heist flicks, for me, the more ridiculous the better. Give me impossible tasks, impossible twists, and improbably narrow escapes. As many as possible.
Entrapment (Jon Amiel, 1999) Let's start with your basic ridiculous heist. A very young and HOT TO DEATH Catherine Zeta-Jones gets master thief and eternal hottest man alive Sean Connery to work with her amateur ass to pull off the world's biggest heist. Except she's on the right side of the law, trying to bring him to justice. OR IS SHE??? This is pretty much your basic standard-issue heist, but the sex appeal of Zeta-Jones and Connery together is just off the charts and gives the film quite the edge. I mean, you've seen the laser training sequence, right? HOT.
Inception (Christopher Nolan, 2010) Now let's up the ante a bit: A REVERSE heist... that takes place entirely INSIDE YOUR MIND. BOOM. Except that, for a film that spends so much time in a dream world, not very much of it feels or looks particularly dream-like. For one thing, where are all the naked people? Oh, don't get your panties in a twist, I'm just kidding. I LOVE Inception. Sure, I bristle a bit when people say the plot is difficult to follow (it's NOT, if you're paying attention!), and it wastes Ellen Page, and it's not a film that lets its imagination run wild when it really could have, but it is clever, and it has Marion Cotillard playing the most complex femme fatale in many moons, and it's much more daring than most major Hollywood motion pictures. I just hope that the debate over that stupid top at the end is over, because what's important isn't whether or not it's still spinning, but that Cobb doesn't care. (But it totally skips a little)
Two of my favourite movies in one list - awesome! I agree: Inception is not that hatd to follow if you pay Attention. It's not a movie to just sit and stare but also requires a Little brain Action, that's why I love it. Same goes for Now You See Me.
Thank you! I really don't understand people who "don't get" Inception. I will admit, it took a second viewing to get all of the details and nuances, but the basic plot/structure is not that difficult. I mean, the first half of the damn movie is ALL expository dialogue LOL.
Inception! I also picked that. Now You See Me is a great choice, because who actually thought that movie was going to work? No one, and it was a fun ride. I can appreciate that.
Entrapment is preposterous but it's one of those old time star vehicles that exists solely to spotlight its performers in the most eye catching way possible. On that level it's a rousing success.
I love Inception and also don't think it was hard to follow though I did get more out of it the second time around. For me the real find of the film was Tom Hardy. I was familiar with a little of his work before this but he just swaggered in an walked off with his parts of the picture.
Sorry but I didn't think much of Now You See Me. I think part of that is my allergy to all things Jesse Eisenberg, but it fits very well this week.
I came up with my three pretty quickly but had to include an extra which is a classic of the genre.
The Italian Job (2003)-Sleek adventure of a pair of heists, betrayal and revenge among a group of thieves most of whom are honorable in their way. Beautiful locations, a jaunty tone and sprightly performances by the entire cast filled with familiar faces make this a cut above. Everybody’s good but Seth Green and Mos Def stand out.
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)-On a hot summer day in Brooklyn what starts as a poorly planned bank heist quickly devolves into both a hostage situation and a media circus when it becomes a police standoff. Brilliant Sidney Lumet directed film features three award caliber performances at its core from Al Pacino, Charles Durning and John Cazale.
5 Against the House (1955)-Two college buddies Ronnie and Roy are pulled in briefly in connection with the attempted robbery of a Reno casino in which they had no part. Waiting to be released Ronnie overhears one of the cops say the casino can’t be successfully robbed and becomes obsessed with figuring out how to plan the perfect heist. Initially just an intellectual challenge until one of their other buddies, violent war vet Brick, discovers the plan and forces them to proceed involving the unsuspecting Al (Guy Madison) and his girlfriend, nightclub-singer Kaye (Kim Novak) along the way. Decent heist film that is rare among 50’s film in its allusions to Brick’s war experience (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) being at the root of his erratic behavior.
Honorable Mention-The Asphalt Jungle (1950)-Ex-con Dix (Sterling Hayden) plans to steal a cool million in jewels. He gathers a team of small-time crooks together to pull the job, which is a success until a stray bullet kills one of the men. As they scramble to cover themselves the men become entangled in a web of treachery and murder. John Huston keeps the tension tight in this landmark noir that provided the first real step forward for Marilyn Monroe in the small part of Angela, one of the men’s kept woman.
You are SO right about how Hardy just swaggers in and walks off with Inception. He just oozes sex appeal. I'm lol-ing at your Jesse Eisenberg aversion - he's by no means one of my favorites (and he looks positively revolting in Batman v. Superman), but I thought he worked well for the part in Now You See Me. Of course, he was by far my least favorite, but that cast is SO stacked.
I LOVE the 2003 Italian Job. Another great cast. I am embarrassed to say that I have yet to see Dog Day Afternoon.
True story: I saw Asphalt Jungle for the first time a couple years ago on TCM, thinking it was Blackboard Jungle instead. Imagine my surprise when it didn't start with "Rock Around the Clock" and Sidney Poitier was nowhere to be found on the cast list! But I really liked it once I got over my shock. Monroe is shockingly good in it, and it began my love affair with Sterling Hayden.
I haven't seen Now You See Me but this looks like a fun romp even if Eisenberg is in it. Love Inception and Entrapment is over the top but a fun flick.
LOL at your Eisenberg comment. I don't really care for him either, but his persona works well for the character in Now You See Me, which really is so much fun.
Hi Daniel, I saw your comment over on Speaks in Movie Lines about that movie site and dropped a comment there but just to make sure you get it I thought I'd post it here too. I think you'll really like this one and many others on there.
Would love to hear what you think of the film and the site!
A little FYI, even though several performers have links not all their available films necessarily come up when you click their name, for example "Rise & Shine" with Linda Darnell isn't under hers but it popped up when I was browsing through the other links. Also not all stars are listed so surprises abound, I was disappointed at first that there were seemingly no Gail Russell films but I found five of hers spread throughout under her co-stars.
Most of the films are in really great shape but a few have been ragged, I muddled through them anyway, where else am I going to find them?
I just watched That Way with Women starring Sydney Greenstreet in a comedic role, I really liked it and would recommend it but the title has nothing to do with the story. Happy Hunting!
I almost went with Inception myself, but I took another route. That is a great great movie. So entertaining! And you are so right about Cotillard. She is mesmerizing. I really want to see Now You See Me. That movie looks like a blast. Great picks!
Yes! Great picks! Is it bad that I remember the poster for Entrapment more than the film though?
Inception is just a brilliant film, one of the better, smarter heist films. I don't know why but I really enjoyed Now You See Me, I know it got slated by critics but the people loved it.
LOL - not at all! To be honest I don't remember much about Entrapment aside from CZJ and Connery's chemistry, and that laser training sequence, which the perfect poster references.
I've only seen Inception once. Don't remember much, but I don't remember it being hard to understand. Anyway I actually can't stand it. I just find it trying way way too hard at being clever.
I didn't like Now You See Me as well. Too razzle dazzle.
Two of my favourite movies in one list - awesome!
ReplyDeleteI agree: Inception is not that hatd to follow if you pay Attention. It's not a movie to just sit and stare but also requires a Little brain Action, that's why I love it.
Same goes for Now You See Me.
Thank you! I really don't understand people who "don't get" Inception. I will admit, it took a second viewing to get all of the details and nuances, but the basic plot/structure is not that difficult. I mean, the first half of the damn movie is ALL expository dialogue LOL.
DeleteInception! I also picked that. Now You See Me is a great choice, because who actually thought that movie was going to work? No one, and it was a fun ride. I can appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree on Now You See Me - it could have been a real disaster but instead it was tons of fun, which made me so happy.
DeleteInception is spectacular and I loved Now You See Me. Like you said, it's not a great film, but it's a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteAgree on all counts. :-)
DeleteEntrapment is preposterous but it's one of those old time star vehicles that exists solely to spotlight its performers in the most eye catching way possible. On that level it's a rousing success.
ReplyDeleteI love Inception and also don't think it was hard to follow though I did get more out of it the second time around. For me the real find of the film was Tom Hardy. I was familiar with a little of his work before this but he just swaggered in an walked off with his parts of the picture.
Sorry but I didn't think much of Now You See Me. I think part of that is my allergy to all things Jesse Eisenberg, but it fits very well this week.
I came up with my three pretty quickly but had to include an extra which is a classic of the genre.
The Italian Job (2003)-Sleek adventure of a pair of heists, betrayal and revenge among a group of thieves most of whom are honorable in their way. Beautiful locations, a jaunty tone and sprightly performances by the entire cast filled with familiar faces make this a cut above. Everybody’s good but Seth Green and Mos Def stand out.
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)-On a hot summer day in Brooklyn what starts as a poorly planned bank heist quickly devolves into both a hostage situation and a media circus when it becomes a police standoff. Brilliant Sidney Lumet directed film features three award caliber performances at its core from Al Pacino, Charles Durning and John Cazale.
5 Against the House (1955)-Two college buddies Ronnie and Roy are pulled in briefly in connection with the attempted robbery of a Reno casino in which they had no part. Waiting to be released Ronnie overhears one of the cops say the casino can’t be successfully robbed and becomes obsessed with figuring out how to plan the perfect heist. Initially just an intellectual challenge until one of their other buddies, violent war vet Brick, discovers the plan and forces them to proceed involving the unsuspecting Al (Guy Madison) and his girlfriend, nightclub-singer Kaye (Kim Novak) along the way. Decent heist film that is rare among 50’s film in its allusions to Brick’s war experience (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) being at the root of his erratic behavior.
Honorable Mention-The Asphalt Jungle (1950)-Ex-con Dix (Sterling Hayden) plans to steal a cool million in jewels. He gathers a team of small-time crooks together to pull the job, which is a success until a stray bullet kills one of the men. As they scramble to cover themselves the men become entangled in a web of treachery and murder. John Huston keeps the tension tight in this landmark noir that provided the first real step forward for Marilyn Monroe in the small part of Angela, one of the men’s kept woman.
You are SO right about how Hardy just swaggers in and walks off with Inception. He just oozes sex appeal. I'm lol-ing at your Jesse Eisenberg aversion - he's by no means one of my favorites (and he looks positively revolting in Batman v. Superman), but I thought he worked well for the part in Now You See Me. Of course, he was by far my least favorite, but that cast is SO stacked.
DeleteI LOVE the 2003 Italian Job. Another great cast. I am embarrassed to say that I have yet to see Dog Day Afternoon.
True story: I saw Asphalt Jungle for the first time a couple years ago on TCM, thinking it was Blackboard Jungle instead. Imagine my surprise when it didn't start with "Rock Around the Clock" and Sidney Poitier was nowhere to be found on the cast list! But I really liked it once I got over my shock. Monroe is shockingly good in it, and it began my love affair with Sterling Hayden.
Entrapment is like Now You See Me, not great but damn fun. I enjoyed both. Of course, Inception is a masterpiece. Great picks.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, and thank you! :)
DeleteI haven't seen Now You See Me but this looks like a fun romp even if Eisenberg is in it. Love Inception and Entrapment is over the top but a fun flick.
ReplyDeleteLOL at your Eisenberg comment. I don't really care for him either, but his persona works well for the character in Now You See Me, which really is so much fun.
DeleteHi Daniel, I saw your comment over on Speaks in Movie Lines about that movie site and dropped a comment there but just to make sure you get it I thought I'd post it here too. I think you'll really like this one and many others on there.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rarefilmm.com/search?q=+night+has+a+thousand+eyes
You, Sir, are a gentleman and a scholar. I salute you!
DeleteWould love to hear what you think of the film and the site!
DeleteA little FYI, even though several performers have links not all their available films necessarily come up when you click their name, for example "Rise & Shine" with Linda Darnell isn't under hers but it popped up when I was browsing through the other links. Also not all stars are listed so surprises abound, I was disappointed at first that there were seemingly no Gail Russell films but I found five of hers spread throughout under her co-stars.
Most of the films are in really great shape but a few have been ragged, I muddled through them anyway, where else am I going to find them?
I just watched That Way with Women starring Sydney Greenstreet in a comedic role, I really liked it and would recommend it but the title has nothing to do with the story. Happy Hunting!
I almost went with Inception myself, but I took another route. That is a great great movie. So entertaining! And you are so right about Cotillard. She is mesmerizing. I really want to see Now You See Me. That movie looks like a blast. Great picks!
ReplyDeleteNow You See Me is indeed an absolute blast - as long as you don't think about it too hard.
DeleteYes! Great picks! Is it bad that I remember the poster for Entrapment more than the film though?
ReplyDeleteInception is just a brilliant film, one of the better, smarter heist films. I don't know why but I really enjoyed Now You See Me, I know it got slated by critics but the people loved it.
LOL - not at all! To be honest I don't remember much about Entrapment aside from CZJ and Connery's chemistry, and that laser training sequence, which the perfect poster references.
DeleteI've only seen Inception once. Don't remember much, but I don't remember it being hard to understand. Anyway I actually can't stand it. I just find it trying way way too hard at being clever.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like Now You See Me as well. Too razzle dazzle.