Finding Steve McQueen

"Finding Steve McQueen" actually has nothing really to do with actor Steve McQueen but is still quite entertaining and funny for a B movie.

In this crime comedy based on a true story, a gang of thieves attempt to steal millions from Richard Nixon's secret fund.

Overall a good film with some smart humour and fun twists. William Fitchner ("Crash") gives a stellar and hilarious performance, he kills his role. I did find that "Finding Steve McQueen" was too dragged out and felt long even at 90-minutes. It's crazy to think that this is a true story and considered the biggest heist in America. It's worth a watch.

See it at home or skip it.

I hadn't even heard of this movie before I found a Blu-ray copy of it at my local library today. But I know from experience that taking a chance on unknown movies often uncovers gems and sleepers, so I decided to watch it. Was the movie worth my time? Well, overall I would say yes. The movie has an irresistible premise that turns out to be a true story (can't believe this true story was never filmed before), and the story never has any dull spots in its telling. There is also some effective humor and suspense along the way. Also, the soundtrack has a number of great oldies played that add flavor and a feel for the period. But at the same time, the movie has some weakness that prevents the movie from being great. For starters, it seems to assume that its audience will know all about the background of the Watergate/Richard Nixon scandal; although I knew enough about this part of history to know the references, viewers who don't have my knowledge may be very confused. Also, the movie's unconventional storytelling style (flashforwards and flashbacks) results in some plot threads and characters to be put on the backburner for long periods of time, resulting in the movie losing some momentum. As it turns out, some key characters are really weak; we learn very little about the ringmaster of the crime or the protagonist's brother (including what happened to them after their last scenes.) Also, while the filmmakers are to be commended for managing to do an entire period piece on a low budget, some production values do look a little undernourished. Don't get me wrong from what I've just listed - the movie is still worth a look, but it may be best to wait until you can see it for free like I was able to.

Based upon true events, this movie mixes a bank heist, romance and being a fan of actor, Steve McQueen, into ultimately kind of a refreshing ride. There is an earnestness to this movie as well as humor -- I haven't genuinely laughed out loud at a movie in a long time. The soundtrack is spot on, also, and enhanced the movie. The only actor I recognized is Forest Whitaker, and he adds needed credibility in his depiction of a decent member of law enforcement.

Finding Steve McQueen is a love story disguised as a bank robbery movie. This is a Baby Driver wannabe, without the great production, direction and dialogue. If you've never heard of Travis Fimmel before, well, this film won't leave a lasting impression of him with you either. Finding Steve McQueen has 24 Producers, so if the tempo or mood or anything else seems uneven-there you go. Everything starts out exciting as a bank heist film, but then it flips to a love story and by the 1 hour marks it's ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz. The soundtrack is fantastic, so this is the movie you play in the background while doing something else, like surfing the internet.

This movie is a good date flick, by a guys standard. Girls will probably enjoy it as well. Travis Fimmel is ok as the leading man but it appeared to me that he is still learning his craft. He is more than capably supported by a great group of actors to help him carry this movie. William Fichtner, Forest Whitaker, John Finn and Molly McQueen are engaging and fun to watch. Louis Lombardi steals every scene he utters dialogue in and Rhys Coiro eerily channels Hal Linden. If this movie didn't have the Nixon/True story angle I don't think it would be as captivating.