Heist 88

I really hated the ending of this film. I won't spoil it by providing details here. The acting was decent, and it was good to see young Black actors featured in the film. I finally watched this film in full after having only seen bits and pieces previously. It's a decent story, but it lacks a level of complexity that would have made this movie stand out. The back story of some of the characters could have been better developed, and other characters were predictable. The film is set in maybe the late 70's or early 80's, but dialogue and language used in the film did not fit that timeframe. I absolutely hated the ending of the film. It left me feeling shortchanged and dissatisfied. It could have been better.

Heist movies need that element of fun and adventure, this movie heads in that direction but doesn't quite get there.

The plot gets a little confusing and in trying to understand the moves involved it leaves the viewer lost at times.

It is also a little hard to believe that 3 people on the spot agree to help rob a bank when approached by a total stranger, it's just too convenient.

All if a sudden it's the heist day and the excitement builds and they are nearly away and then the movie ends ! I just sat there going, really ? Is that it ?

Either they ran out of money or the director got confused because it is too blunt and quick leaving many questions unanswered, very badly done.

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An interesting story on this movie could not save it from the bad writing and flat acting. It feels like a film school project. Over emoting and corny dialog are a lot to try to escape.

The movie claims to be based on actual events. I was not familiar with the story, before watching the movie. The idea that a heist could be pulled of in such a manner is what made the film have any interest whatsoever. Because the events took place in the 1980's when banks were making the switch from humans and paper over to computers and bits it is hard to imagine that more people didn't try something similar. Sadly, the production value of this movie are nowhere near the money the robbers stole.

This started out with so much promise. Courtney B. Vance played a masterful role. The ensemble cast was very believable and gave a very realistic performance. But... as the movie progressed I was waiting for the climax and kept on waiting. I understand this was loosely based on a true story but since they were already taking liberties with the plot they could have spiced it up. The ending was so anticlimactic it left me unsatisfied. Don't get me wrong the ending was a surprise but it could have given the audience more. There was no where are they now. There was no follow up on the money. It just ended.

Heist 88, has managed to keep me interested and its fair to say, the rating for this movie at 4.6/10 is misleading. Focused on the banking industry back in the 80's, the movie guides you through the gap in technology and security measures in relation to wire transfers. Most importantly it also highlights the struggle on African-Americans who although have the knowledge and experience and work in high risk security positions, still make minimum wage and have challenges in their lives due to low income. In the final scenes however, a powerful message that showcased how the thought of greed and wealth is no match against high moral values, integrity & loyalty in certain people.

Great movie.