Lying and Stealing

This certainly isn't a film that everyone will be raving about, but hey, filmmakers have to start somewhere right? Considering that point, this film was no too bad to say the least.

This is newb filmmaker Matt Aselton's second writing credit, and third directing credit. Yes there were some flaws in the writing - plot issues and pacing, but the directing (camera work) was actually on point - aside from the few slo-mo scenes, and his inexperience in directing his cast was evident. Otherwise, mad respect for Matt Aselton's final result.

Theo James and Emily Ratajkowski worked well together, and their characters where somewhat convincing, but again, that (somewhat ) was from the lack of experience from the director. Fred Melamed was also decent in his slimy/creepy boss-man role as Dimitri.

I also feel the film could've been edited a little better, and perhaps down from the 100 min length, to about 85-90 mins, with faster pacing.

Nevertheless, for a low budget B-grade film from a newbie filmmaker, I still enjoyed it and was quite impressed with Aselton's third ever film.

It certainly is undeserving of the current low rating... people need to learn how to rate a film based on its merits, and not compare it to big budget Hollywood films with A-list cast and filmmakers. So it's a well deserving 7.5 rounded up to an 8/10 from me. Mad props for the producers to not fill IMDb with fake reviews, as most new low budget films have. And if anyone is questioning my review as being fake, click on my username to see my 600+ reviews and 1000+ ratings - and read my profile on how to properly rate a film.

Lying And Stealing might not be the best heist movie ever but it doesn't pretend to be the best heist movie so it's okay. The heists are quite simple, nothing sofisticated at all, most of the time they just walk out with the art, but it's entertaining and that was enough for me. It could have used more suspense to make it a really good movie, you never have that feeling with any of the heists and that's a bit of a letdown. The acting wasn't bad, the cinematography was good, so all in all it's worth a watch, just don't expect a gem.

Theo James is a good looking man - there is nothing wrong with saying that. Same goes for Emily R. (I won't try her last name, because I do not want to do it injustice, having a difficult last name myself, I know what that is like) - and there is nothing wrong with stating that. She had a small role in Gone Girl and is better known for her modeling career.

But before you critisize her for just looking good, the same could be said about Theo James. The story or crime thriller/caper or whatever you want to call it, is decent enough. You can see most of the twists coming along the way ... still quite enjoyable to watch, which is enough to not be mad at this. At least for me.

I usually like these kind of movies, the heist/con genre, but to pull it off you need a good script and, more importantly, charismatic leads to make it all seem cool. The Sting, The Thomas Crown Affair, Ocean's Eleven, they all had that intangible that made them really cool and fun movies to watch. This movie lacks that charisma that makes these classics so much fun. It makes it feel boring to be a thief, and it tries hard to be cool, but, as someone wiser once said, you don't try to be cool, you either are or are not, and, unfortunately, Theo James is no Paul Newman. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh on this film as it still has its charm and some good character actors that I really like, such as Fred Melamed that is always wonderful or Isiah Whitlock Jr. It is an enjoyable watch and I wasn't mad at the screen, but the main flaw is that it is ultimately very forgettable.

Despite not being all that memorable, it does have its own firm legs to stand on and is pretty enjoyable. Cast and crew did a pretty decent job and never once did I feel that my time was stolen throughout the film, which is saying something nowadays. As pointed out by others, pacing could use a bit of tightening but more of a nitpicking point on our viewer-behalf. Solid 6 stars from yours truly.