The Last Bandit

So I'm visiting my brother's house bored to tears and channel-surfing like crazy. All of the sudden, i catch Thick as Thieves coming on. I had never heard of it and the intro was pretty quirky, so i gave it a shot. This movie is one of those best-keep-secrets that most people don't notice. It's not a comdey per se, and not really an action or a Tarantino-esque movie, it kind stands in its own class. The situations the characters get in and out of are humorous-- not "LMAO" funny, just amusingly funny wry. The pacing, casting, the characters, the acting and direction are all top notch and very well fleshed out. So far, anyone i've personally recommended Thick as Thieves to has enjoyed. Hopefully you will, too.

Alec Baldwin gives an edgy performance, not unlike his similar character in "Miami Blues", as a professional thief who sometimes works for the Chicago mob. When a deal in Detroit goes bad and he is set up by the local hoods, Baldwin's escalating war of revenge pushes the mob to take appropriate action. Good character development, smart dialog, and an excellent supporting cast, lift "Thick as Thieves" well above the usual crime drama. There are unexpected moments of dark humor, intermingled with the not too subtle violence. This smart, action-packed film is far more entertaining than some of Tatantino's supposed "classics". Seek it out. - MERK

I have seen this movie at least 50 times and plan to see it whenever it appears on cable. I will probably also rent it whenever it is not available on cable. It is without a doubt the best screenplay and best directed movie I have ever viewed. If you have an opportunity to recommend this movie to a friend, I strongly recommend that you do so. Though I doubt that it could bring them as much joy as it brings me each time I see it, I am sure they will enjoy it.

Signed, Scott's Mom

This film has a good story, but you have to have a certain appreciation for warped humor to appreciate it. The characters range from mildly unusual to downright peculiar. Pointy (Michael Jai White) is a black crime boss who is trying desperately to be a yuppie, playing golf at the country club, owning a French restaurant and lecturing on culture to anyone who will listen. All this is highly incongruous with the drug dealing, cap-busting realities of his crime syndicate, which makes him a droll and entertaining character. Mackin (Alec Baldwin) is a meticulous thief, who does occasional heists for the Mafia. He is an obsessive collector of vinyl jazz albums and takes his dog on capers because he wants to spend quality time with him.

When Mackin does a food stamp heist for Pointy, Pointy double-crosses him. This sets up Mackin's revenge, which encompasses most of the film. The vendetta keeps escalating and the Mafia starts losing patience with both antagonists, introducing a third element into the conflict. The plot has a number of interesting twists and the climax is quite unexpected.

First time director Scott Sanders' direction was solid but nothing special. The music, especially the jazz, was excellent. His work with the cast was nicely done, adding a sardonic tone to the entire movie, although I thought at times he got carried away with the disjointed humor.

The acting was generally very good. Alec Baldwin's quirky portrayal of this painstaking thief was delightful. Rebecca De Mornay played a very different character than we are used to seeing from her. She was terrific as the tough and impassive cop with an understated and sarcastic wit. However, the best performances were given by Michael Jai White and Andre Braugher. White stole the show with his oh-so-refined mob boss impression. Braugher was great as his cool and calculating lieutenant, with nerves of steel and a brilliant criminal mind.

Overall, this was a good crime story that meandered a bit too much from the main plot. I rated it a 7/10. Add a point if you like wry incongruous humor because this film has plenty.

This flick has me laughing out loud ALONE in my apartment. I found the dialog a total trip. I love Andre Braugher for "Homicide," God bless it. I grew some respect for Alec Baldwin, who I've never seen play this kind of role. This thing is truly worth seeing if you have a quirky, dirty, urban sense of humor. Short, pointless and entertaining.