Honorables delincuentes

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.

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

Like Supercords, I regret that Scott Sanders 's Thick as thieves is the sole movie he wrote/directed up to this day. Not having read the novel, I cannot speak of the respective merits of the book and the screenplay; but the screenplay /direction combination results in a very entertaining, swift-paced, well-knit, and clear movie ( in spite of the intricacy of simultaneous action at three different levels: the mob's, Baldwin's, and the cops'), with many welcome humorous touches ; good editing, then, and good musical score, too. Another asset is the cast, apparently selected with great care, up to the smallest parts: if Michael Jay White and Andre Braugher got rightly-deserved praise, all the players rate from very good to excellent: Alec Baldwin and his sidekicks, Bruce Greenwood ( almost unrecognizable ) and Ricky Harris, mobsters Richard Edson and Reginald Ballard,amusing Janeane Garofalo, quietly effective and attractive Rebecca de Mornay, and little-known but accomplished actor Robert Miano as the deceptively mild-mannered second-in command of the local mafia.

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.

What a great subtle and fresh movie. Best thing Alec Baldwin has done in years. Michael Jai White (Pointy) is going to be a star. Andre Braugher is superb. Excellent supporting cast includes Bruce Greenwood, Rebecca DeMornay, Ricky Harris and Janeane Garafolo. The new director, Scott Sanders, has got the right stuff. Go see this movie.