The Bank Job
By JASON MAZUROWSKI
Staff Writer
B+
The Bank Job chronicles the 1971 robbery of London's Lloyds Bank, in which over ??4 million worth of jewels and cash were stolen from the bank's safe deposit vault. Jason Statham (War), a familiar face to the English heist caper flick, plays Terry Leather, a used car salesman and part-time thief, who is confronted by an old friend, Martine (Saffron Burrows, Dangerous Parking), with an offer to lead the heist.
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the film is the colorful supporting cast, comprised of relatively unknown actors. While not as charming as Danny Ocean, or as memorable as Reservoir Dog's Mr. Pink, these bandits are simple, relatable, and most of all, believable. Though the film is rather slow at points, the viewer is rewarded with an enjoyable ending that ties most of the films loose ends, while still leaving some of the details shrouded in mystery.
Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day
By NICOLE TUCEK
Staff Writer
C-
This attempt at a heartfelt romantic comedy is brought to life by one performance; and it is not Miss Pettigrew.
Most recognized for her roles in Fargo and Almost Famous, Academy Award winner Frances McDormand plays the extraordinarily plain Miss Guinevere Pettigrew, who works as a governess and is unfairly let go from her job.
Though the actress's role is meant to be subdued and simple, she practically gets lost on the screen while standing next to Delysia Lafosse, an American starlet living in pre-World War II London, played by Amy Adams, shining the silver screen most recently in Enchanted.
Lafosse is a whirlwind character constantly in a tizzy, all the while struggling to juggle her three very different lovers. Miss Pettigrew and Lafosse meet by chance. From there, the plot wants to come off as an adventurous romantic comedy, but is too unrealistic to enjoy. From one scene to the next, outrageous things occur, all over the course of a day. It comes off as a vicious cycle of ridiculousness, leaving the viewer wondering when it will end.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
