Here's a novel idea: have Keanu Reeves play a man who has a great natural talent in acting. What were they thinking? Now that his boyish good looks and physique are behind him, is there still an audience who forgives him his thespian shortcomings? Add to that, for a bank heist film, the necessary convoluted and exacting plot not only isn't there, but in its simplicity is obviously doomed to failure. We forensics and police investigatory techniques savvy viewers, release little moans of disappointment throughout the course of this crime.
Henry (Reeves) has spent the last few years in prison for a crime he didn't commit because he wouldn't rat on his friends who actually did attempt the bank heist. He figures out during his sentence that he should commit the crime since he already did the time -- not for the money, but for the sense of completion. The history and even floorplan to a tunnel that runs between the bank and an adjacent theater fall into view a bit too conveniently. Let's call it providence. Henry's half way there. He wants to recruit his prison cell mate, Max (James Caan) to help. Max can be parolled at his next hearing, as in many of the previous ones, but he always choose to remain in the ordered, safe life behind bars. But Henry convinces him to join the caper. To gain access to the theater where the tunnel starts, Henry must win a part in the play in rehearsal, 'The Cherry Orchard,' by Chechov. I gasp in the scene where he gets it. He also falls for the lead, Julie (Vera Farmiga). So, everyone knows his name, and once the deed is done he would obviously be on the 10 Most Wanted list and on and on. Very little entry plan and no exit strategy. That's not why we go to a heist movie. This is no 'Oceans 2.'
And still, the film was entertaining due to Vera Farmiga's energy as the cold hearted, ambitious actress and James Caan as the confidence man who'd rather live out his days in the basic comforts of prison rather than brave freedom. Then, there's also beautiful Buffalo as the backdrop.
Henry's Crime
Director: Malcolm Venville
Writer: Sacha Gervasi, David White, Stephen Hamel
Cast: Keanu Reeves, James Caan, Vera Farmiga, Judy Greer, Fisher Stevens, Danny Hoch, Bill Duke, Peter Stormare
Time: 108 min.
Rating: R
Opening April 15 in Embarcadero Center Cinema in San Francisco
Comments