Masterminds - I geni della truffa

I loved it! I haven't laughed this much since Due Date with Robert Downey Jr; in fact I laughed even more during this. I read some very negative reviews on here about this and all I can say is that if you don't have a sense of humour for slapstick comedy then don't leave a negative review because of it.

An innocent guy working as a security van driver gets talked into robbing the company he works for by an attractive ex-employee that he has a real crush on. He thinks they're going to be living together, happily-ever-after, once all the heat has settled, but things don't quite go to (his) plan.

There are so many hilarious moments in this film and the rest is all pretty humorous, as well. It's comedically brilliant, fast paced, intelligently written and an all-round good film. Not a dull moment. Give it a go and DO NOT listen to any ("meh, so-so") reviews with less than five stars. One reviewer said it's the same kind of humour as Airplane and Naked Gun. It's not!

Masterminds, a comical masterpiece?

With an all-star cast, and a movie script so bizarre it must be true—yes, this is a true story—I expected to be thoroughly entertained, and I was not let down. "Masterminds" is a breath of fresh air that showcases the awkwardly funny talents of Zach Galifinakis, Kirstin Wiig, and Owen Wilson.

The movie centers itself around one of the largest heists in history, orchestrated by a Man named Steve (Wilson) and carried out by a Man named David Ghantt (Galifianakis) who did it all for his crush on a co-worker, Kelly (Wiig). These are a bunch of blue-collar, uneducated group of people, looking for something better. Kelly soon realizes Ghantt has a crush on her and uses this knowledge to get close to Ghantt, in order to convince him to steal the money. At one point, they go to the gun range to discuss what they would do with a million dollars, and Ghantt has an accidental discharge of his weapon while trying to holster it in the rear of his waistband. Kelly then exclaims: "Oh my gosh! David, let me see! That bullet just went straight between your cheeks!" It was an unlikely heist, perpetrated by an even more unlikely group of individuals.

All in all, the movie was light hearted, didn't take itself too seriously and made me laugh all the way through. Overall I give this movie an A. It is entertaining as it is unbelievable. The movie is now on video and would make an excellent add for your collection.

The film reminded me 'Pain & Gain', only for inspiring from the real and being the comedy flicks. Other than that there's nothing in common between them. I have been expecting a lot from Zack since 'The Hangover', but it was always the near missed opportunities. I'm not saying this was his much needed breakthrough, but quite enjoyable film.

An honest man who worked long enough as a guard for a bank, was approached by his ex colleague and her men with an offer. Since he was madly in love with her, he could not say no to it, despite he already got engaged to another woman. As planned the heist goes on and once it was done, he was ditched and ratted out. Now on the run, how he responds to it and the following events decides his fate.

Not a great comedy nor a heist film, but it had its moments. The casting was good and it was Zack's show. The rest of them were not into that much, except in the final act. Jason Sudeikis was a bonus. His appearance added more fun. Now I know why Jim Carrey opted out. Owen Wilson's part was not good enough in such a small role, he did good though. Watching it for timepass is fine or even for beyond that seems not a bad try.

7/10

Jared Hess (the director) is someone who doesn't believe in the usual comedic mould.

His vision of comedy is obscure in that he doesn't want us to laugh at the obvious slapstick.

He wants us to cringe a little at the truth behind his laughs.

While it's true that in the end comedies need to make us guffaw, chuckle, snicker, titter and chortle; the real art of comedy is to make us feel the pain of our protagonist.

I think in this regard, Jared Hess has achieved something rare.

A comedic protagonist who is very real and flawed and sad.

His sadness makes us laugh because of how bleak his existence is.

We feel for him and wish him all the best. I feel that people who don't get this movie are afraid of humanness in others.

That's why people are idiots. Because they see comedies as an excuse to simply laugh mindlessly at absurd plot lines. Comedies are also commentaries on the human condition. In spite of being marketed as slapstick, Masterminds is a film about a fragile soul in a dangerous world. Since making such a film a drama would turn away crowds in droves, the film maker re-framed it as something of a tragic comedy.

My heart felt for this hero who is at once self-deluded and incredibly sensitive.

If you have ever understood unconditional love, you might find something to love in Masterminds too.

Am I surprised Masterminds only gets a 5.8 rating on here? Not really as comedies are the most difficult movies to rate. We just don't all have the same sense of humor so what is funny to someone looks dumb to another. I'm on the side of the people that had great fun watching this biography/comedy. Based on a true story, although I have serious doubts about some events that took place in this movie. It doesn't really matter though, more than 17 million of dollars have been stolen, by amateurs, and those are enough ingredients to create a funny movie. Certainly with a cast like this one, all comedians that I really appreciate watching. Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, Kate McKinnon and Jason Sudeikis are all actors that know how to make people laugh and it shows. Great cast and good acting from all of them. The story is quite unbelievable what makes it entertaining. I'm sure I won't be the only one that will definitely watch this movie again in the future, when I need some good laughs to cheer me up.