Lying and Stealing

Theo James is a good looking man - there is nothing wrong with saying that. Same goes for Emily R. (I won't try her last name, because I do not want to do it injustice, having a difficult last name myself, I know what that is like) - and there is nothing wrong with stating that. She had a small role in Gone Girl and is better known for her modeling career.

But before you critisize her for just looking good, the same could be said about Theo James. The story or crime thriller/caper or whatever you want to call it, is decent enough. You can see most of the twists coming along the way ... still quite enjoyable to watch, which is enough to not be mad at this. At least for me.

Movie was decent and acting was okay. Direction was okay, definitely liked the camerawork and color grading. The script played very safe in terms of thrilles and stakes. It was a very light watch for a crime-drama. A one time watch and then you will forget about it in a day.

I didn't expect anything from this and I found it watchable. The art thieving all came a little too easily. I liked the bad guy character, the tubby old guy. I've always liked him although I can't recall his name. Maybe it's better not knowing, tat way I always see him for the part he's playing--the mark of a truly good actor.

The story just sort of devolves into silliness and really doen't make much sense. His brother's character never really gets off the ground, but not from lack of trying...or screen time.

I like the whole idea of stealing from rich creeps, most of whom wouldn't know a true masterpiece from a child's painting.

This certainly isn't a film that everyone will be raving about, but hey, filmmakers have to start somewhere right? Considering that point, this film was no too bad to say the least.

This is newb filmmaker Matt Aselton's second writing credit, and third directing credit. Yes there were some flaws in the writing - plot issues and pacing, but the directing (camera work) was actually on point - aside from the few slo-mo scenes, and his inexperience in directing his cast was evident. Otherwise, mad respect for Matt Aselton's final result.

Theo James and Emily Ratajkowski worked well together, and their characters where somewhat convincing, but again, that (somewhat ) was from the lack of experience from the director. Fred Melamed was also decent in his slimy/creepy boss-man role as Dimitri.

I also feel the film could've been edited a little better, and perhaps down from the 100 min length, to about 85-90 mins, with faster pacing.

Nevertheless, for a low budget B-grade film from a newbie filmmaker, I still enjoyed it and was quite impressed with Aselton's third ever film.

It certainly is undeserving of the current low rating... people need to learn how to rate a film based on its merits, and not compare it to big budget Hollywood films with A-list cast and filmmakers. So it's a well deserving 7.5 rounded up to an 8/10 from me. Mad props for the producers to not fill IMDb with fake reviews, as most new low budget films have. And if anyone is questioning my review as being fake, click on my username to see my 600+ reviews and 1000+ ratings - and read my profile on how to properly rate a film.

This film has an upbeat tone, an engaging story, stylish locations and beautiful leads. What's not to like? I very much enjoyed watching it.