$windle

It is doubtful that you'll remember much about $WINDLE for long; as a 'heist' film with an undercover cop (Tom Sizemore) falling for mastermind Sherilyn Fenn, it is pretty much 'by the numbers', with the mandatory 'psycho gang member' (Conrad Pla), a plot twist that isn't that surprising, and a resolution that is predictable (save for Dave Foley's unexpected windfall). What provides the greatest pleasure in the film are the performances of Sizemore and Fenn, who are both terrific.

Tom Sizemore is a fast-talking, quick-witted cop who is deep undercover as a freelance hood 'recruited' for an old-fashioned bank job, and whether he is quoting Jack Kerouac while seducing Fenn, savoring a high-stakes poker game, or trying to explain to his partner that he's not on the 'take', he dominates the screen each time he appears.

Sherilyn Fenn is a marvel. After surviving early roles best remembered for her frequent nude scenes (TWO MOON JUNCTION, MERIDIAN), she has matured into an actress of some range and a remarkable sensitivity. When she describes men's usual 'pick up' lines ("Nice dress...It would look great on my floor"), there is a world-weariness and pain in her voice that is totally honest. At 37, she has achieved a balance between her still breathtaking beauty and growing dramatic skills that, in a 'kinder' world, would provide her better roles in more than just 'Indie' films.

$WINDLE isn't a great film, but catch it, anyway, for Sizemore and Fenn. You won't be disappointed!

Stars Dave Foley (kids in the hall), Tom Sizemore, Sherilyn Fenn. George goes undercover to try to join the gang that's been pulling jobs in his hood. They have pretty sophisticated equipment and strategies. Sophie (Fenn) is the boss of the gang, and isn't sure about trusting him at first. So they pull the job.... was kind of hoping for surprises, some twists and turns. But no. It starts out so good, and doesn't really go anywhere. Script needed souping up. Needed something new and different. There's violence and swearing. Directed by KC Bascombe.

HEAT is obviously the DNA of this film, as many others made in the mean time, including Spanish films such as INSIDERS, a bad movie by the way. AMERICAN HEIST and TAKERS were also good ones. Back to this one, Tom Sizemore is of course the main link between Michael Mann's masterpiece, but not exactly the same character. The basic scheme of undercover cop is so predictable, foreseeable.... But that doesn't matter after all, the main interest is somewhere else. The heist is rather complex and ingenious but obviously inspired by DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE, the diversion. I admit that the lady gang leader, mastermind, is not that convincing. It remains overall a good story, destined for TV and DVD market. Good dialogue lines, especially from the female lead, exquisite lines for this kind of B movie.

Synopsis : Tom Sizemore plays an undercover cop, who infiltrates a gang (led by the gorgeously curvy Sherilyn Fenn) planning a heist at a bank, where Dave Foley is the manager.. The movie unfolds as a series of flashbacks (to describe how the whole thing was set up) that occur as the robbery is taking place.. While the plans are being made, Tom semi-falls in love with Fenn and loses contact with his superiors leaving them to wonder which side he is on.. The plan is conceived as a smooth get in - get out operation, but things quickly start going wrong.. There are a couple of plot twists along the way, and the climax is satisfying if not mind-blowing..

My Comments : The lead cast is pretty good since I consider both Sizemore and Fenn to be very good, underrated actors.. Though it seems as if it was made on a shoe-string budget, their acting along with the support cast is reasonably strong... The script and dialogue, though smattered with heist movie cliches, can be witty at times.. In short, this is an eminently watchable movie for those Sunday afternoons, when you're all done with laundry and have nothing else at hand..

This film is in 360p quality I kept faffing with my broadband to see if it was bad connection. Terrible quality image to watch. Then in the first scene you see the bank robbers park about 2 streets away and do a slo motion walk across to the bank. Armed to the teeth, balaclavas on vests on. And pushing pedestrians out of the way. Then the same level of ridiculousness throughout.