A night guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history.
Movie Review: Masterminds (2016) – A Hilarious Heist Comedy Based on True Events
Introduction
“Masterminds,” directed by Jared Hess, is a 2016 comedy that brings to life one of the most audacious heists in U.S. history. With a star-studded cast including Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis, this film combines outrageous humor with a real-life criminal caper. In this review, we explore the elements that make “Masterminds” a laugh-out-loud and entertaining watch and provide details on where you can stream it in the United States.
Plot Overview
“Masterminds” is based on the true story of the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery, in which a group of inexperienced criminals managed to steal $17 million. The film follows David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis), a mild-mannered armored truck driver who dreams of a more exciting life. When his flirtatious co-worker, Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig), lures him into a heist plan orchestrated by the cunning Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson), David finds himself at the center of an unlikely and poorly executed robbery. As the gang’s plan quickly unravels, David becomes the fall guy and must navigate a series of hilarious and dangerous situations to avoid capture and reclaim his share of the loot.
Visuals and Cinematography
Jared Hess’s direction keeps the film vibrant and visually engaging, with a style that enhances the comedic tone. The cinematography by Erik Wilson captures the quirky and exaggerated elements of the characters’ world, from the rundown neighborhoods to the chaotic heist scenes. The visual humor is complemented by clever editing, which helps maintain the film’s energetic pace and comedic timing.
Performances
Zach Galifianakis delivers a standout performance as David Ghantt, bringing his signature blend of awkward charm and physical comedy to the role. Kristen Wiig shines as Kelly Campbell, perfectly balancing her character’s manipulative and endearing traits. Owen Wilson is convincingly sly and humorous as the mastermind Steve Chambers, while Jason Sudeikis provides additional laughs as the eccentric hitman Mike McKinney. The ensemble cast’s chemistry and comedic talent drive the film’s humor and make each character memorable.
Themes and Interpretation
“Masterminds” explores themes of ambition, greed, and the unpredictability of human behavior. The film delves into the absurdity of the heist and the characters’ misguided motivations, highlighting the gap between their grandiose dreams and the reality of their ineptitude. It also reflects on the consequences of impulsive decisions and the idea that crime doesn’t pay, often leading to more trouble than it’s worth. Through its comedic lens, “Masterminds” portrays the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life’s twists and turns.
Streaming Availability in the U.S.
As of 2024, “Masterminds” is available for streaming on several platforms in the United States. You can watch “Masterminds” on:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
For those who prefer renting or purchasing, the film can be found on:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple iTunes
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Vudu
Conclusion
“Masterminds” is a hilarious and entertaining heist comedy that brings a real-life criminal escapade to the screen with plenty of laughs. With strong performances from Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis, and Jared Hess’s adept direction, the film offers an enjoyable and absurdly funny viewing experience. Whether you’re streaming it for the first time or revisiting its comical narrative, “Masterminds” delivers a delightful mix of humor and true crime.
