Simply Atrocious

Rating: 3/10 (17 May 2005)

One of the worst directing jobs I've seen in years. Heist movies, even the weak ones, generally convey a sense of fun. Almost as if the performers were enjoying themselves as much as the audience. Here, the actors perform like they're in a hostage video and their first born child is in danger. With a good cast, cool cars and exotic locations you'd think it'd be hard to screw up but every element of this is bad. Anytime people speak it's like watching a high school play. There's no pacing, no humor, no tension, and zero chemistry. This film should be Exhibit A in illustrating exactly what a director does. F. Gary Gray is a completely talentless hack and if you don't believe me go watch 'Be Cool'. It makes one pine for the studio system, when, at least, you were guaranteed a level of professional competence.