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Two inmates, Jack (Bruce Willis) and Terry (Billy Bob Thornton), make a daring and reckless
escape from the Oregon State Penitentiary and embark on a career of bank robbery. After a string of successful heists with the modus operandi of holding hostage the
bank manager in his own home the night before, they become the most hunted notorious 'sleepover bandits'. Recruited along the way is runaway disgruntled housewife, Kate (Cate
Blanchett), who spells trouble. Thus, the original tandem plan the proverbial last grand heist to enjoy that long dreamed of hotel-resort 'Paraiso' in Mexico.
Bandits is
light entertainment of exciting action with a sprinkling of comic dialogue and situations. The editing and action are fast-paced, as fast as the bandits move from bank to
bank, change getaway cars and disguises. The principals are an interesting, arresting group of characters, well cast in their roles and credible in their performance.
There is the leader Jack, aging but still charming and quick in action; the hypochondriac, meticulous planner Terry, with the perpetual ugly mien; and the beautiful,
irresistible, redhead Kate. The plot is nothing really that spectacular, except for the very end with a most unexpected twist.
There are no moral values to speak of. While Kate is honest in openly declaring that she loves both Jack and
Terry and how their combined good traits make up her ideal man, it cannot justify her hopping merrily from one bed to another. Similarly, the moviegoer is entertained by a
series of one incredible heist after another, and is excitedly thrilled with the bandits as they make every clean getaway. But a heist is a heist and it is wrong, no matter
how intricately brilliant it is designed and enjoyed at the end. While Joe and Terry are portrayed as peace loving bandits who do not kill and do no harm except steal
millions, they are glamorized and admired as they demonstrate that crime does pay. This is reminiscent of The Sting and Ocean's Eleven where evil is made to be
entertaining, becomes acceptable and eventually the norm. And here is where critical discerning is most imperative.
(Date reviewed: March 22, 2002)
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