MASTERMINDS (2016)

Directed By: Jared Hess 
Written By: Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer & Emily Spivey 
Cinematography By: Erik Wilson 
Editor: Keith Brachmann & David Rennie 

Cast: Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, Jason Sudekis, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, Jon Daly, Ken Marino, Ross Kimball, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Devin Ratray 

David Ghantt discovers the true meaning of adventure far beyond his wildest dreams. He is an uncomplicated man stuck in a monotonous life. Day in and day out he drives an armored vehicle, transporting millions of other people's money with no escape in sight. The only glimmer of excitement is his flirtatious work crush Kelly Campbell who soon lures him into the scheme of a lifetime. Along with a group of half-brained criminals led by Steve Chambers and an absurdly faulted heist plan, David manages the impossible and makes off with $17 million in cash...only problem is he foolishly hands the money over to this wild group of double crossers and has been set up to take the fall. With the bandits blowing the millions on lavish and ridiculous luxuries, they leave behind a glaring trail of evidence. Now on the lam and in over his head, David must dodge the authorities, evade a hilarious hit man, Mike McKinney, and try to turn the tables on the ones he trusted most

Director Jared Hess has a particular way of directing and it sets his films apart as they seem more small and dependent on behavior, character and community that can easily come off as quirky and usually works. Though he has never been able to come up with anything that rivals his debut movie NAPOLEON DYNAMITE. Though that has never stopped him from trying. This is the first film he has directed that he didn’t also write. This is the first film he has directed that he didn't Write himself. It shows as the subject matter is a little more rough and gruff than he is used but despite the nitty gritty he still manages to keep it clean and somewhat innocent. Even though the film is loosely based on a true story.

It leaves enough room for comedic invention that most of the cast dives right into.

The problem with the film is that it has so much room for more inventiveness. That it always feels like it is on the verge to something bigger and funnier. As it is filled with talent and material that never quite comes together for full impact.

The cast is all over the place trying to sell the material. They should be funnier but only comes out funny in parts and some scenes and once it seems to get going it starts to deflate. Leaving most of the film feeling flat.

The film throws us into the plot and story right away before we can really get to know any of the characters. Which also gives the film a rushed feeling. I don't know if a lot was left in the cutting room floor. Though the film always feels like certain details are missing. Like the fact that Owen Wilson's character seem to benefit the most from this robbery. While his co-horts seem to still have gotten nothing and are driving around in rusty trucks and living in the same old rundown places. Though still Clearly working for him. Yet he doesn't seem to cut any of them in on the money and doesn't fear them turning on him.

Owen Wilson is a strange mix in this film as he seems to be one of the only main stars playing straight man. While all the other characters get to be wacky and in their own world. Even Leslie Jones in the movie mainly playing the straight role manages to be funny In her scenes. Even as Kristin Wiig plays her role of temptress pretty straight she gets to be funny or at least in on the action.
Where as Kate McKinnon playing in this film is quite the opposite creating a truly strange character who seems to belong in her own world and just happens somehow to fit into this one by accident or chance.

Zach Galafinakis fits perfectly into this world and film. As he has a sweetness and carries his scenes well, but also a willing goofiness that comes off as stupid but at least entertaining and truly showcasing what this film is supposed to be all about. He is what keeps the film off kilter, fun and mostly watchable.

Surprisingly the scene stealer of the whole film is Jason Sudekis who has finally found a role that at least for me is hilarious and shows his talents. Where he became one of the most interesting characters for me watching this film.

The ending is funny and We know this is loosely based on a true story, but while we get the romantic kiss before the ending. The film ends not with a romantic reunion one would hope for but with a supporting character. Yes he worked well with that character in their scenes, but was their reunion ever truly needed?

The film is fun and I am sure will play Comedy Central plenty in due time, but I can also see the film turning audiences off. As while it tries to keep up the momentum. It tends to fall short many times. As the humor seems to go more for slapstick rather than all around.

Unfortunately the filmmmakers and screen writers aren't as sharp as the Coen Brothers when it comes to crime comedy. So it seems more like what they are attempting is something that tries to be tough but has no bite. Not that much of a bark. If you go in with low expectations and doesn't expect much this could be a nice time waster, but if expecting gold the film will leave you more than disappointed. 

Grade: C-