143 reviews
First of all, I just can't believe that this movie was based on a true story. It left me captivated to a point of going back to do research on the real story. I wanted to see pictures of these people in person. I just had to laugh while reading some of it.
After doing research on the real story, I found the movie to be very balanced in that it tried to find a humorous way to tell the story. I think that they actually pulled it off. Was it laugh out loud comedy? No...but entertaining, Certainly. It isn't something that I'd ever watch again, but I didn't feel as if it were a complete and total waste of time. There were a few funny moments and in some moments, I even felt sorry for the main character. It will definitely hold your interest. Worth a movie rental.
After doing research on the real story, I found the movie to be very balanced in that it tried to find a humorous way to tell the story. I think that they actually pulled it off. Was it laugh out loud comedy? No...but entertaining, Certainly. It isn't something that I'd ever watch again, but I didn't feel as if it were a complete and total waste of time. There were a few funny moments and in some moments, I even felt sorry for the main character. It will definitely hold your interest. Worth a movie rental.
Despite having comedy juggernauts like Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudekis and Leslie Jones (The people who made me laugh other than...), Zach Galifianakis was the powerhouse genius that made this movie flow. When he was not on the screen, it did not flow like when he was on, and he was always on. He played stupid so brilliantly that he will have you busting a gut uncontrollably. The more dimwitted the funner it got.
Proving the It's so funny it's true statement is correct, Galifianakis leads an ensemble cast in a story based on true events about a security guard leading a boring life about to marry the only woman who would have him (Played hilariously by Kate Mckinnon) until his co-worker (Kristen Wiig) used her lady charm to convince him to help her friend (Played Owen Wilson, but not in his best role) rob their employer. Now he's on the run from The FBI (Played by the Hilarious, Leslie Jones), and a hit man hired to keep him from talking (Played by also Hilarious Jason Sudekis).
It's a pretty well laid out heist movie, but I got to say, it has so many comic masterminds in it you'd expect that I would laugh so hard, I die of it, but the only real worthy laughs come from Zach Galifinakis, who took the simplistic and turned it into comic gold. It's good enough just to see him do that.
Proving the It's so funny it's true statement is correct, Galifianakis leads an ensemble cast in a story based on true events about a security guard leading a boring life about to marry the only woman who would have him (Played hilariously by Kate Mckinnon) until his co-worker (Kristen Wiig) used her lady charm to convince him to help her friend (Played Owen Wilson, but not in his best role) rob their employer. Now he's on the run from The FBI (Played by the Hilarious, Leslie Jones), and a hit man hired to keep him from talking (Played by also Hilarious Jason Sudekis).
It's a pretty well laid out heist movie, but I got to say, it has so many comic masterminds in it you'd expect that I would laugh so hard, I die of it, but the only real worthy laughs come from Zach Galifinakis, who took the simplistic and turned it into comic gold. It's good enough just to see him do that.
- subxerogravity
- Sep 29, 2016
- Permalink
The film reminded me 'Pain & Gain', only for inspiring from the real and being the comedy flicks. Other than that there's nothing in common between them. I have been expecting a lot from Zack since 'The Hangover', but it was always the near missed opportunities. I'm not saying this was his much needed breakthrough, but quite enjoyable film.
An honest man who worked long enough as a guard for a bank, was approached by his ex colleague and her men with an offer. Since he was madly in love with her, he could not say no to it, despite he already got engaged to another woman. As planned the heist goes on and once it was done, he was ditched and ratted out. Now on the run, how he responds to it and the following events decides his fate.
Not a great comedy nor a heist film, but it had its moments. The casting was good and it was Zack's show. The rest of them were not into that much, except in the final act. Jason Sudeikis was a bonus. His appearance added more fun. Now I know why Jim Carrey opted out. Owen Wilson's part was not good enough in such a small role, he did good though. Watching it for timepass is fine or even for beyond that seems not a bad try.
7/10
An honest man who worked long enough as a guard for a bank, was approached by his ex colleague and her men with an offer. Since he was madly in love with her, he could not say no to it, despite he already got engaged to another woman. As planned the heist goes on and once it was done, he was ditched and ratted out. Now on the run, how he responds to it and the following events decides his fate.
Not a great comedy nor a heist film, but it had its moments. The casting was good and it was Zack's show. The rest of them were not into that much, except in the final act. Jason Sudeikis was a bonus. His appearance added more fun. Now I know why Jim Carrey opted out. Owen Wilson's part was not good enough in such a small role, he did good though. Watching it for timepass is fine or even for beyond that seems not a bad try.
7/10
- Reno-Rangan
- Mar 13, 2017
- Permalink
- classicsoncall
- Jun 18, 2017
- Permalink
Jared Hess (the director) is someone who doesn't believe in the usual comedic mould.
His vision of comedy is obscure in that he doesn't want us to laugh at the obvious slapstick.
He wants us to cringe a little at the truth behind his laughs.
While it's true that in the end comedies need to make us guffaw, chuckle, snicker, titter and chortle; the real art of comedy is to make us feel the pain of our protagonist.
I think in this regard, Jared Hess has achieved something rare.
A comedic protagonist who is very real and flawed and sad.
His sadness makes us laugh because of how bleak his existence is.
We feel for him and wish him all the best. I feel that people who don't get this movie are afraid of humanness in others.
That's why people are idiots. Because they see comedies as an excuse to simply laugh mindlessly at absurd plot lines. Comedies are also commentaries on the human condition. In spite of being marketed as slapstick, Masterminds is a film about a fragile soul in a dangerous world. Since making such a film a drama would turn away crowds in droves, the film maker re-framed it as something of a tragic comedy.
My heart felt for this hero who is at once self-deluded and incredibly sensitive.
If you have ever understood unconditional love, you might find something to love in Masterminds too.
His vision of comedy is obscure in that he doesn't want us to laugh at the obvious slapstick.
He wants us to cringe a little at the truth behind his laughs.
While it's true that in the end comedies need to make us guffaw, chuckle, snicker, titter and chortle; the real art of comedy is to make us feel the pain of our protagonist.
I think in this regard, Jared Hess has achieved something rare.
A comedic protagonist who is very real and flawed and sad.
His sadness makes us laugh because of how bleak his existence is.
We feel for him and wish him all the best. I feel that people who don't get this movie are afraid of humanness in others.
That's why people are idiots. Because they see comedies as an excuse to simply laugh mindlessly at absurd plot lines. Comedies are also commentaries on the human condition. In spite of being marketed as slapstick, Masterminds is a film about a fragile soul in a dangerous world. Since making such a film a drama would turn away crowds in droves, the film maker re-framed it as something of a tragic comedy.
My heart felt for this hero who is at once self-deluded and incredibly sensitive.
If you have ever understood unconditional love, you might find something to love in Masterminds too.
- hellojaeson
- Oct 14, 2016
- Permalink
There's an unwritten rule when it comes to bratpack comedies – Don't expect much wit. Masterminds has none and that's not even the biggest downside given the combined comic talent in this film.
With a lineup comprising of Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis, it's hard not to recall bratpack comedies like Hall Pass or The Hangover. Those films were not very witty either but they were setup to be outrageously funny and they delivered with laugh-out-loud gags. On the other hand, Masterminds has been in production hell for a long time and was supposed to be released over a year ago. While this doesn't say much about the overall production and budget, it explains why there are as many as six writers for the screenplay. That's never a good sign and it shows – jokes are not only a misfire but the repeated use of toilet humour is a definite indication of lazy writing and poor taste.
It is still interesting to note that this film is based on a real life robbery. Details of the heist are almost identical including actual names of the perpetrators, and set in the 90s, this film could have even worked as a Martin Scorsese crime caper. Instead, Galifianakis is in the lead as real criminal David Ghantt but resembling Jim Carrey from Dumb and Dumber. And as expected, his character is as bright as a flickering lightbulb. Orchestrated by Steve (Wilson as the titular perp), the plan is to con Ghantt into stealing money from the armored truck company he works for and have him eliminated in Mexico after the job. Dubbed the 'Loomis Fargo Bank Robbery' by the FBI, the real incident turned out to be one of the largest cash hauls in the United States. What happens in the film is a struggle between staying true to the facts and letting Galifianakis loose.
While most of the film barely serves any real laughs (when not being cringe worthy awkward), the only reason to recommend Masterminds would have to be cameos from Sudeikis as a psychotic hit-man and Kate McKinnon as Ghantt's psychotic fiancé. Both are show stealers and with the inclusion of Leslie Jones as a tongue-lashing FBI agent, perhaps the only saving grace in a crime film disguised as a comedy. And speaking of disguise, this film is second to none in imagining what a wanted thief must do to evade airport security. Watch and laugh. Or weep.
With a lineup comprising of Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis, it's hard not to recall bratpack comedies like Hall Pass or The Hangover. Those films were not very witty either but they were setup to be outrageously funny and they delivered with laugh-out-loud gags. On the other hand, Masterminds has been in production hell for a long time and was supposed to be released over a year ago. While this doesn't say much about the overall production and budget, it explains why there are as many as six writers for the screenplay. That's never a good sign and it shows – jokes are not only a misfire but the repeated use of toilet humour is a definite indication of lazy writing and poor taste.
It is still interesting to note that this film is based on a real life robbery. Details of the heist are almost identical including actual names of the perpetrators, and set in the 90s, this film could have even worked as a Martin Scorsese crime caper. Instead, Galifianakis is in the lead as real criminal David Ghantt but resembling Jim Carrey from Dumb and Dumber. And as expected, his character is as bright as a flickering lightbulb. Orchestrated by Steve (Wilson as the titular perp), the plan is to con Ghantt into stealing money from the armored truck company he works for and have him eliminated in Mexico after the job. Dubbed the 'Loomis Fargo Bank Robbery' by the FBI, the real incident turned out to be one of the largest cash hauls in the United States. What happens in the film is a struggle between staying true to the facts and letting Galifianakis loose.
While most of the film barely serves any real laughs (when not being cringe worthy awkward), the only reason to recommend Masterminds would have to be cameos from Sudeikis as a psychotic hit-man and Kate McKinnon as Ghantt's psychotic fiancé. Both are show stealers and with the inclusion of Leslie Jones as a tongue-lashing FBI agent, perhaps the only saving grace in a crime film disguised as a comedy. And speaking of disguise, this film is second to none in imagining what a wanted thief must do to evade airport security. Watch and laugh. Or weep.
- LloydBayer
- Sep 28, 2016
- Permalink
Masterminds, a comical masterpiece?
With an all-star cast, and a movie script so bizarre it must be true—yes, this is a true story—I expected to be thoroughly entertained, and I was not let down. "Masterminds" is a breath of fresh air that showcases the awkwardly funny talents of Zach Galifinakis, Kirstin Wiig, and Owen Wilson.
The movie centers itself around one of the largest heists in history, orchestrated by a Man named Steve (Wilson) and carried out by a Man named David Ghantt (Galifianakis) who did it all for his crush on a co-worker, Kelly (Wiig). These are a bunch of blue-collar, uneducated group of people, looking for something better. Kelly soon realizes Ghantt has a crush on her and uses this knowledge to get close to Ghantt, in order to convince him to steal the money. At one point, they go to the gun range to discuss what they would do with a million dollars, and Ghantt has an accidental discharge of his weapon while trying to holster it in the rear of his waistband. Kelly then exclaims: "Oh my gosh! David, let me see! That bullet just went straight between your cheeks!" It was an unlikely heist, perpetrated by an even more unlikely group of individuals.
All in all, the movie was light hearted, didn't take itself too seriously and made me laugh all the way through. Overall I give this movie an A. It is entertaining as it is unbelievable. The movie is now on video and would make an excellent add for your collection.
With an all-star cast, and a movie script so bizarre it must be true—yes, this is a true story—I expected to be thoroughly entertained, and I was not let down. "Masterminds" is a breath of fresh air that showcases the awkwardly funny talents of Zach Galifinakis, Kirstin Wiig, and Owen Wilson.
The movie centers itself around one of the largest heists in history, orchestrated by a Man named Steve (Wilson) and carried out by a Man named David Ghantt (Galifianakis) who did it all for his crush on a co-worker, Kelly (Wiig). These are a bunch of blue-collar, uneducated group of people, looking for something better. Kelly soon realizes Ghantt has a crush on her and uses this knowledge to get close to Ghantt, in order to convince him to steal the money. At one point, they go to the gun range to discuss what they would do with a million dollars, and Ghantt has an accidental discharge of his weapon while trying to holster it in the rear of his waistband. Kelly then exclaims: "Oh my gosh! David, let me see! That bullet just went straight between your cheeks!" It was an unlikely heist, perpetrated by an even more unlikely group of individuals.
All in all, the movie was light hearted, didn't take itself too seriously and made me laugh all the way through. Overall I give this movie an A. It is entertaining as it is unbelievable. The movie is now on video and would make an excellent add for your collection.
- chrisreddersen
- Mar 28, 2017
- Permalink
Zach Galifianakis turns a public swimming pool brown after eating a Super Taco somewhere from a local stand in Mexico. With jokes like that, how can this movie possibly be a failure?
If you look at just the cast you'll expect more, but it's still not as bad as many make it out to be. It's a good movie for when you just need a good laugh and you don't need the movie to be sophisticated or deep. Did I think it was a particularly good movie? No. Did it make me laugh out loud? Yes, plenty of times. There are a couple gross out humour moments, but not that many. It's mostly just silly jokes.
I wouldn't go to the theatre to see this, but it's a good one to catch on Netflix or something. I don't regret watching it, because I got what I expected out of it: A forgettable movie with a bunch of laughs.
The fact that it was based on a true story (though I'm sure they changed a bunch of details) only makes it more interesting.
I wouldn't go to the theatre to see this, but it's a good one to catch on Netflix or something. I don't regret watching it, because I got what I expected out of it: A forgettable movie with a bunch of laughs.
The fact that it was based on a true story (though I'm sure they changed a bunch of details) only makes it more interesting.
Only part of the movie where I laughed was when he accidentally shot his butt in the first part of the movie.
Zach Galifianakis is never good as a lead actor - he always plays a lovable retard, and for that reason, he's only good as a supporting actor.
The story was OK when it was following the actual story, but once it started deviating, Galifianakis suddenly became 007 for a short while, which was just ridiculous and not keeping with the theme at all.
Another turnoff is that the movie appears to mock and make fun of people living in rural areas.
It's like a cross between "Pain & Gain" and "Nacho Grande", but it just fell flat. It had no pizazz. It was lame.
Zach Galifianakis is never good as a lead actor - he always plays a lovable retard, and for that reason, he's only good as a supporting actor.
The story was OK when it was following the actual story, but once it started deviating, Galifianakis suddenly became 007 for a short while, which was just ridiculous and not keeping with the theme at all.
Another turnoff is that the movie appears to mock and make fun of people living in rural areas.
It's like a cross between "Pain & Gain" and "Nacho Grande", but it just fell flat. It had no pizazz. It was lame.
- ferrisvueller
- Jun 10, 2017
- Permalink
I loved it! I haven't laughed this much since Due Date with Robert Downey Jr; in fact I laughed even more during this. I read some very negative reviews on here about this and all I can say is that if you don't have a sense of humour for slapstick comedy then don't leave a negative review because of it.
An innocent guy working as a security van driver gets talked into robbing the company he works for by an attractive ex-employee that he has a real crush on. He thinks they're going to be living together, happily-ever-after, once all the heat has settled, but things don't quite go to (his) plan.
There are so many hilarious moments in this film and the rest is all pretty humorous, as well. It's comedically brilliant, fast paced, intelligently written and an all-round good film. Not a dull moment. Give it a go and DO NOT listen to any ("meh, so-so") reviews with less than five stars. One reviewer said it's the same kind of humour as Airplane and Naked Gun. It's not!
An innocent guy working as a security van driver gets talked into robbing the company he works for by an attractive ex-employee that he has a real crush on. He thinks they're going to be living together, happily-ever-after, once all the heat has settled, but things don't quite go to (his) plan.
There are so many hilarious moments in this film and the rest is all pretty humorous, as well. It's comedically brilliant, fast paced, intelligently written and an all-round good film. Not a dull moment. Give it a go and DO NOT listen to any ("meh, so-so") reviews with less than five stars. One reviewer said it's the same kind of humour as Airplane and Naked Gun. It's not!
- michaelant555
- Nov 19, 2016
- Permalink
Despite a set of tremendous comedic actors, 'Masterminds' isn't half as funny as it ought to have been. It has some moments, but they aren't enough to pass this delayed release as a winner.
'Masterminds' Synopsis: A guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history. Based on the October 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery.
'Masterminds' tries to adapt a crazy true-story into a much crazier film. Sadly, it only engages in bits. I enjoyed the sub-plot of the hero & his crazy girlfriend (Zach Galifianakis & Kate McKinnon), but the main plot doesn't bring out the best laughs. Also, the jokes are too crass & get silly after a point. Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer & Emily Spivey's Screenplay is alright. Its only sporadically funny. Jared Hess's Direction is just passable.
Performance-Wise: 'Masterminds' rests on the madness of its cast. Zach Galifianakis can be dumb & funny more than anyone else can right now & hence, he's spot-on. Kristen Wiig is irresistible, even though she doesn't much scope. Owen Wilson is okay. Jason Sudeikis is absurd, yet entertaining. Leslie Jones hams. Kate McKinnon is fantastic as Zach's crazy girlfriend & she, completely steals the show.
On the whole, 'Masterminds' isn't funny enough. Nonetheless, watch it if you must!
'Masterminds' Synopsis: A guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history. Based on the October 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery.
'Masterminds' tries to adapt a crazy true-story into a much crazier film. Sadly, it only engages in bits. I enjoyed the sub-plot of the hero & his crazy girlfriend (Zach Galifianakis & Kate McKinnon), but the main plot doesn't bring out the best laughs. Also, the jokes are too crass & get silly after a point. Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer & Emily Spivey's Screenplay is alright. Its only sporadically funny. Jared Hess's Direction is just passable.
Performance-Wise: 'Masterminds' rests on the madness of its cast. Zach Galifianakis can be dumb & funny more than anyone else can right now & hence, he's spot-on. Kristen Wiig is irresistible, even though she doesn't much scope. Owen Wilson is okay. Jason Sudeikis is absurd, yet entertaining. Leslie Jones hams. Kate McKinnon is fantastic as Zach's crazy girlfriend & she, completely steals the show.
On the whole, 'Masterminds' isn't funny enough. Nonetheless, watch it if you must!
Telling a true story that sounds too insane to even have partially happened, this is movie is quite the rollercoaster. For those who love SNL at its silliest: you're in for a treat! Kirsten Wiig surprisingly is a bit underwhelming, as well as Owen Wilson, but they courteously make room and context for Zach Galifianakis to be the hero they deserve.
The film relies heavily on ridiculous outfits, cringeworthy dialogue and over the top mishaps.... and does so brilliantly. There's something about it that just takes you back to childhood series and movies like the A-team, Macgyver, The Naked Gun,... It's not just that the story takes place in the 90's, but mostly that right combination of flashy action, romance and moronic jokes.
Special praise goes to Kate McKinnon and Jason Sudeikis. You'll see why.
The film relies heavily on ridiculous outfits, cringeworthy dialogue and over the top mishaps.... and does so brilliantly. There's something about it that just takes you back to childhood series and movies like the A-team, Macgyver, The Naked Gun,... It's not just that the story takes place in the 90's, but mostly that right combination of flashy action, romance and moronic jokes.
Special praise goes to Kate McKinnon and Jason Sudeikis. You'll see why.
"My name is David Ghantt. I always felt I was destined for a life of adventure. It didn't quite pan out that way. Then one day I met Miss Kelly Campbell." David Ghantt (Galifianakis) works for an armored car company, is engaged to be married and is loving life. He starts to develop a little crush on his co-worker Kelly (Wiig) which results in an opportunity for one of Kelly's friends. David becomes involved in one of the biggest bank heists in US history, with no clue of what he is actually involved in. First of all I have to say that this movie was decent and I laughed a few times, but I was very disappointed. I watched Keeping Up With The Joneses which I thought was very funny, and this one was not nearly as good. The one huge saving grace of this movie was Jason Sudeikis. He saved this movie pretty much by himself. I would watch an entire movie based on that character. The rest of the movie felt a little flat and uninspired and the only thing that really kept me interested, besides Sudeikis, was that it was based on a true story and I wanted to see what actually happened. Overall, funny in parts but really disappointing and I'm glad I waited to rent this rather than go to the theatre for it. I give this a C+.
- cosmo_tiger
- Jan 30, 2017
- Permalink
Welp, it looks like the dunderheads at the now bankrupt Relativity Media LLC. Are hell-bent in giving us yet another doozy before the year's end. What kind of rightfully shelved prattle do they have for us to mull over and regret buying a $10 ticket for this week? A Zach Galifianakis helmed caper comedy about a love-struck loser turned armored truck robber co-starring Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig and Owen Wilson? That doesn't seem so bad.
Well it gets bad folks, real bad. The kind of bad that gives even the most forgiving audience the urge to check their messages before sneaking into Storks (2016) to "check on the kids." Masterminds is an unholy mix of good ideas and concepts made painfully unfunny due bad editing, sloppy storytelling and an over-reliance on the same- old ugly American jokes not funny since Bush was in the White House.
The bang adorned Galifianakis plays David Ghantt, a trailer park doofus whose job as an armored car driver fills his head with notions of tense Mexican standoffs and Lee Marvin inspired bravado. His regular partner Kelly (Wiig) passively encourages his flights of fancy, joining him at the shooting range for target practice and openly discussing what she'd do if she was Phillip Johnson; a Loomis Fargo employee that tried to run off with $18 million. Convinced by Kelly's womanly charms and a heist plan masterminded by Kelly's friend Steve Chambers (Wilson), Ghantt decides to follow directives to steal the cash from the Loomis Fargo vault and run off to Mexico for a lovers' rendezvous.
On paper, Masterminds has a decent amount going for it. The movie's story attracted quite a few members of SNL's (1975-present) present star lineup including Kate McKinnon as Ghantt's awkward wife, Leslie Jones as the fussy lead FBI investigator and Jason Sudeikis as a frightfully obtuse hit-man. The film is directed by Jared Hess the man responsible for bringing deadpan anti-humor into the mainstream with Napoleon Dynamite (2004) so clap if you're into that. Mix in Galifianakis's personal brand of cringe-antics and Owen Wilson's inference to his character in Bottle Rocket (1996) and you got yourself quite a lot to root for.
Unfortunately, this film is much like a foul smelling casserole made with biscuits, Funions and eight-year-old Velvetta; individually each component sounds appetizing enough but clumping all these things together creates a slurry of colon clogging flotsam. The stranger than fiction tale of the Loomis Fargo robbery could have been, should have been a movie about class dispossession. Lacking that, it could have scored some points simply by dialing up the wacky. Yet Hess's inability to graduate his images from weird to laugh-inducing, mutes the good stuff from hitting its frequency. Nowhere is this more clear than when Galifianakis dons bad disguise after bad disguise in order to blend in.
Everyone in this film shamelessly acts out their best Joe Dirt (2001) impression, likely enjoying each other's company to the detriment of the audience. In so doing, they come up no funny lines or endeavor to make their characters anything more than poorly defined caricatures. The film then pads the narrative's plot-points to the brink; insuring whatever tiny morsels manage to get a giggle remain few and far between. By the time the robbery takes place (a mire half-hour into the film), all humor has ceased and all opportunities for humor have long choked on the lack of oxygen,
In a confounding moment of stupidity, Ghantt fumbles into the back of his armored truck and locks himself in, just as he's getting ready to leave. Seeing Ghantt panic and struggle to breathe at that moment is in many ways the perfect metaphor for this film. Clustered, confused, angry with himself and shambling to find the gears in the next compartment, Ghantt, like the audience feels stuck in a situation that should have never happened. This movie should have never happened.
Well it gets bad folks, real bad. The kind of bad that gives even the most forgiving audience the urge to check their messages before sneaking into Storks (2016) to "check on the kids." Masterminds is an unholy mix of good ideas and concepts made painfully unfunny due bad editing, sloppy storytelling and an over-reliance on the same- old ugly American jokes not funny since Bush was in the White House.
The bang adorned Galifianakis plays David Ghantt, a trailer park doofus whose job as an armored car driver fills his head with notions of tense Mexican standoffs and Lee Marvin inspired bravado. His regular partner Kelly (Wiig) passively encourages his flights of fancy, joining him at the shooting range for target practice and openly discussing what she'd do if she was Phillip Johnson; a Loomis Fargo employee that tried to run off with $18 million. Convinced by Kelly's womanly charms and a heist plan masterminded by Kelly's friend Steve Chambers (Wilson), Ghantt decides to follow directives to steal the cash from the Loomis Fargo vault and run off to Mexico for a lovers' rendezvous.
On paper, Masterminds has a decent amount going for it. The movie's story attracted quite a few members of SNL's (1975-present) present star lineup including Kate McKinnon as Ghantt's awkward wife, Leslie Jones as the fussy lead FBI investigator and Jason Sudeikis as a frightfully obtuse hit-man. The film is directed by Jared Hess the man responsible for bringing deadpan anti-humor into the mainstream with Napoleon Dynamite (2004) so clap if you're into that. Mix in Galifianakis's personal brand of cringe-antics and Owen Wilson's inference to his character in Bottle Rocket (1996) and you got yourself quite a lot to root for.
Unfortunately, this film is much like a foul smelling casserole made with biscuits, Funions and eight-year-old Velvetta; individually each component sounds appetizing enough but clumping all these things together creates a slurry of colon clogging flotsam. The stranger than fiction tale of the Loomis Fargo robbery could have been, should have been a movie about class dispossession. Lacking that, it could have scored some points simply by dialing up the wacky. Yet Hess's inability to graduate his images from weird to laugh-inducing, mutes the good stuff from hitting its frequency. Nowhere is this more clear than when Galifianakis dons bad disguise after bad disguise in order to blend in.
Everyone in this film shamelessly acts out their best Joe Dirt (2001) impression, likely enjoying each other's company to the detriment of the audience. In so doing, they come up no funny lines or endeavor to make their characters anything more than poorly defined caricatures. The film then pads the narrative's plot-points to the brink; insuring whatever tiny morsels manage to get a giggle remain few and far between. By the time the robbery takes place (a mire half-hour into the film), all humor has ceased and all opportunities for humor have long choked on the lack of oxygen,
In a confounding moment of stupidity, Ghantt fumbles into the back of his armored truck and locks himself in, just as he's getting ready to leave. Seeing Ghantt panic and struggle to breathe at that moment is in many ways the perfect metaphor for this film. Clustered, confused, angry with himself and shambling to find the gears in the next compartment, Ghantt, like the audience feels stuck in a situation that should have never happened. This movie should have never happened.
- bkrauser-81-311064
- Oct 2, 2016
- Permalink
This is not a great comedy. With only a few exceptions, it is not laugh out loud. If you are expecting The Hangover, you will be disappointed. But, it you want a quirky comedy that remains constantly amusing and can keep a smile on your face, it's not that bad. I enjoyed it and am glad I went.
I would have liked to have seen more Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. Galifianakis talents were wasted. His character could have been played by any dufus. Owen Wilson was fine as was Kristin Wiig. Sudeikis was funny, although his change of heart was not believable. But that's OK because it was needed to move the plot forward.
I wouldn't pay full price at the theater (I went on $5 Tuesday) but I would recommend renting it for $2 at Redbox.
I would have liked to have seen more Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. Galifianakis talents were wasted. His character could have been played by any dufus. Owen Wilson was fine as was Kristin Wiig. Sudeikis was funny, although his change of heart was not believable. But that's OK because it was needed to move the plot forward.
I wouldn't pay full price at the theater (I went on $5 Tuesday) but I would recommend renting it for $2 at Redbox.
- tappymcwidestance
- Oct 11, 2016
- Permalink
There is something off with Masterminds. It just feels slightly off-kilter when it comes to the acting, the editing, the story and the humor -- and not in a good way. It's almost funny, but not quite. I don't recommend watching this half-baked comedy, but the true story it's based on is interesting.
- cricketbat
- Dec 26, 2018
- Permalink
The first thirty minutes of Masterminds are top-notch comedy. Full of surprising dialogue and deadpan delivery, the first act had me clutching my sides in laughter. There are countless quotable moments that are the height of improv comedy. Unfortunately, the rest of the film (post-heist) is fairly average. The pacing is clumsy and the characters lose their spark. That being said, every scene with Kate McKinnon is comedy gold.
When I think about Masterminds, I think about the first act, because the rest of the film is highly forgettable. I know that I will be quoting the first thirty minutes of this film for days.
When I think about Masterminds, I think about the first act, because the rest of the film is highly forgettable. I know that I will be quoting the first thirty minutes of this film for days.
- jace_the_film_guy
- Sep 17, 2022
- Permalink
Did ANY producers read the script before giving it their thumbs up? Was the audience at the test screen high? Were Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Jason Sudeikis so utterly broke that they had no choice but to do this movie? Who are the scree writers? I don't mean "who are they" as in "what are their names?". I mean what kind of people write this trash and manage to maintain some semblance of self respect? Please, don't make the mistake I did of watching it. Just say "no". Don't even watch the trailer. If You are still reading this, you have wasted too much time on this disaster.
- kingstong-79596
- Jan 8, 2017
- Permalink
Stories about stupid criminals are funny. And when those stories are true, besides laughing, we find ourselves shaking our heads in mocking disbelief. Just think about how many times you've read such stories in an Email or heard them on the radio or on TV and how amused you were picturing what was being described. Well, "Masterminds" (PG-13, 1:34) brings us a true story of stupid criminals in vivid detail – helped along by some of the funniest actors in movies today – including a few "Saturday Night Live" veterans. This ensemble comedically dramatizes the true story of a 1997 North Carolina Loomis Fargo robbery, which remains one of the biggest heists in U.S. history. Although the script by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer and Emily Spivey, along with the direction of Jared Hess ("Napoleon Dynamite", "Nacho Libre") and the comic stylings of the talented cast, adds a significant amount of humor to the action, the film's story and many of its details stick very close to the facts of the case.
David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) is a clumsy and socially awkward, but basically honest and well-meaning armored car driver in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is engaged to the even more awkward and self-centered trailer park dwelling Jandice (played with a sort of catatonic glee by SNL's Kate McKinnon), but David has fallen for his fellow driver, Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig). Kelly lives (also in a mobile home) with an old friend named Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson) and his wife, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Ellis). When Steve hears on the news about a recent Loomis Fargo robbery, he hatches a scheme to use Kelly's connection to David to get him to rob Charlotte's Loomis Fargo. Kelly is reluctant to play on David's affections, but she'd love to get a share of that money and David is tempted by the promise of a new life with Kelly down in Mexico. After Kelly "trains" David for the things that he'll have to do to commit the robbery (and how to possibly "live off the land" until it's "safe" for Kelly to join him in Mexico), and with the help of a few other down-on-their-luck (and none-too-bright) co-conspirators, the plan is all set.
Let the comedic missteps begin! David is a trusted employee with keys to a Loomis Fargo vault, which he accesses after hours. In spite of his natural clumsiness and lack of logical thinking, David somehow manages to load a van with a fortune in bundled bills and gets the vehicle to his fellow criminals waiting outside. They stash the cash, giving David a few thousand dollars (stuffed into his underwear) for his flight to Mexico, where he thinks that he'll soon be reunited with Kelly. Back in North Carolina, an FBI agent (played by SNL's Leslie Jones) knows that David did the deed and she's working hard to piece together the rest of the puzzle. Steve gets nervous and decides to take out a contract on David, hiring an old friend turned hit man, Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis) for the job. Mike turns out to be a pretty unhinged hit man and his trip to Mexico in search of David ends up being a comedy of errors. David eventually figures out that he's the patsy and does his best to turn the tables on his partners in crime.
"Masterminds" is a hilarious send-up of that real-life heist from the late 90s. And not all comedies that depict real-life stupid criminals do the job this well. (See 2013's unfunny "Pain & Gain". And by "see", I mean as an example. Don't actually watch the movie.) This script's enhancements to the true story make for good plotting and make great use of the cast's significant and diverse comedic talents. The humor comes from a combination of the colorful characters' personality traits, Galifianakis' talent for slapstick, some gross-out humor and a lot of good old fashioned stupid criminal mistakes. The movie never oversells its characters or its humor, even actually keeping some moments too low-key. Not all the jokes work, but there are plenty of great sight gags and other laugh-out-loud moments that make this movie exactly what such cinematic experiences are supposed to be – fun. "A-"
David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) is a clumsy and socially awkward, but basically honest and well-meaning armored car driver in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is engaged to the even more awkward and self-centered trailer park dwelling Jandice (played with a sort of catatonic glee by SNL's Kate McKinnon), but David has fallen for his fellow driver, Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig). Kelly lives (also in a mobile home) with an old friend named Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson) and his wife, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Ellis). When Steve hears on the news about a recent Loomis Fargo robbery, he hatches a scheme to use Kelly's connection to David to get him to rob Charlotte's Loomis Fargo. Kelly is reluctant to play on David's affections, but she'd love to get a share of that money and David is tempted by the promise of a new life with Kelly down in Mexico. After Kelly "trains" David for the things that he'll have to do to commit the robbery (and how to possibly "live off the land" until it's "safe" for Kelly to join him in Mexico), and with the help of a few other down-on-their-luck (and none-too-bright) co-conspirators, the plan is all set.
Let the comedic missteps begin! David is a trusted employee with keys to a Loomis Fargo vault, which he accesses after hours. In spite of his natural clumsiness and lack of logical thinking, David somehow manages to load a van with a fortune in bundled bills and gets the vehicle to his fellow criminals waiting outside. They stash the cash, giving David a few thousand dollars (stuffed into his underwear) for his flight to Mexico, where he thinks that he'll soon be reunited with Kelly. Back in North Carolina, an FBI agent (played by SNL's Leslie Jones) knows that David did the deed and she's working hard to piece together the rest of the puzzle. Steve gets nervous and decides to take out a contract on David, hiring an old friend turned hit man, Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis) for the job. Mike turns out to be a pretty unhinged hit man and his trip to Mexico in search of David ends up being a comedy of errors. David eventually figures out that he's the patsy and does his best to turn the tables on his partners in crime.
"Masterminds" is a hilarious send-up of that real-life heist from the late 90s. And not all comedies that depict real-life stupid criminals do the job this well. (See 2013's unfunny "Pain & Gain". And by "see", I mean as an example. Don't actually watch the movie.) This script's enhancements to the true story make for good plotting and make great use of the cast's significant and diverse comedic talents. The humor comes from a combination of the colorful characters' personality traits, Galifianakis' talent for slapstick, some gross-out humor and a lot of good old fashioned stupid criminal mistakes. The movie never oversells its characters or its humor, even actually keeping some moments too low-key. Not all the jokes work, but there are plenty of great sight gags and other laugh-out-loud moments that make this movie exactly what such cinematic experiences are supposed to be – fun. "A-"
- dave-mcclain
- Oct 3, 2016
- Permalink
Seriously, guys, this movie is unwatchable. It's cartoonish and goes for the easy laugh. I would not waste your time. I watch a lot of movies and this one is a dismal failure. And I love McKInnon, Wiig, Sudekis, Galifianakis, all very talented, funny people. Don't say I didn't warn you.
What could possibly go wrong?
The director of Napoleon Dynamite, Jared Hess, teams up with the A-list of Hollywood's comedians in a film based on the largest robbery in US history.
Sounds to good to be true, doesn't it.
What we get, kind of, is like two solid hours of Zach Galifianakis doing his Alan shtick from Hangover. It's bad taste and hijinks and unbelievably bad Texan accents and the neon-coloured Eighties. It's silly, but never acquires enough momentum to be funny.
A classic case of too much of a good thing, really. Maybe Jared and Zach are too much alike in their love of wackiness.
The director of Napoleon Dynamite, Jared Hess, teams up with the A-list of Hollywood's comedians in a film based on the largest robbery in US history.
Sounds to good to be true, doesn't it.
What we get, kind of, is like two solid hours of Zach Galifianakis doing his Alan shtick from Hangover. It's bad taste and hijinks and unbelievably bad Texan accents and the neon-coloured Eighties. It's silly, but never acquires enough momentum to be funny.
A classic case of too much of a good thing, really. Maybe Jared and Zach are too much alike in their love of wackiness.
Certainly, Zach Galifiankis and Kristen Wiig aren't quite as funny as they believe themselves to be and they struggle to carry the underwritten "Masterminds" but still, the film is an innocuous curiosity. Telling the real-life story of a David Ghannt who managed to rob the Loomis Fargo armored truck he was responsible for without having formulated any type of plan to avoid detection or to escape. If Ghannt actually anything like Galifiankis' redention of him, he likely was destined for jail the first time someone gave his access to a large amount of cash. Wiig's Kelly was simply the first to manipulate him into doing it. Wiig plays both sides with Kelly portraying her as aggressive and slutty but never doing more than appearing in a sports bra. Luckily Jason Dudekis doesn't appear into well into the film so we are largely spared his contribution. The jokes mainly are represented by a scene used in the trailer where David and Kelly slam into an unmoved security gate in a BMW providing a twist on a thousand similar movie scenes where the gates fly away from the impact. It's not a great joke but it's not awful either. In short, that a good way to sum up the film.
- estreet-eva
- Mar 5, 2017
- Permalink
After his cult hit debut with Napoleon Dynamite in 2004, director Jared Hess has failed to recapture the odd brilliance of that film with uneasy comedies in the form of films like Gentleman Broncos and Nacho Libre and while the long talked about and pushed back Masterminds sounded like a film on paper perfectly suited to the filmmaker, this uneven comedy can't maximise the cast or story at its disposal to become a film of note.
Based on a bizarre yet true story, Masterminds appears to be tailor made for Hess to unleash some comedy gold, which we get snippets of throughout and when you add to the off-kilter cocktail the likes of a bearded and weirded Zach Galifianakis as our bumbling protagonist David Ghantt, a dumbed down Kristen Wiig, a creepy Owen Wilson and another left of centre turn from the 'it" girl of comedy at the moment Kate McKinnon, it feels as though Masterminds could've been one of 2016's stand out comedies, in a year in which there wasn't a lot to challenge for the mantle.
The main problem that Masterminds runs into is within its tone, as Hess struggles to figure out whether the film is a slapstick comedy, an oddball farce or some form of crime caper combined together with an array of bonkers character creations and it feels as though both filmmaker and cast were unable to unlock just what this 90 minute exercise in frustration, mixed with belly laughs was supposed to be.
Another anchor to the films chances of sailing the seas of comedic success is the continued downward spiral of Galifianakis, who ever since breaking out in the first Hangover adventure has become an increasingly disappointing performer.
Not far from being a self-parody at most times, Galifianakis's ability to lead a film must surely be in question by now (especially after the failings of Keeping up with the Joneses last year also) and despite him getting the odd moment to shine here, it's really up to the supporting cast to try and gain the films some extra laughs which do come from the likes of Wiig and a small supporting turn from Jason Sudeikis as a dedicated hit-man.
A potentially great comedy turned into a merely tolerable one, Masterminds is quite a big letdown upon consideration of its core story and talented cast and it seems as though if Hess can't turn this story into something, he may forever be known as the "guy" that made Napoleon Dynamite.
2 pairs of braces out of 5
Based on a bizarre yet true story, Masterminds appears to be tailor made for Hess to unleash some comedy gold, which we get snippets of throughout and when you add to the off-kilter cocktail the likes of a bearded and weirded Zach Galifianakis as our bumbling protagonist David Ghantt, a dumbed down Kristen Wiig, a creepy Owen Wilson and another left of centre turn from the 'it" girl of comedy at the moment Kate McKinnon, it feels as though Masterminds could've been one of 2016's stand out comedies, in a year in which there wasn't a lot to challenge for the mantle.
The main problem that Masterminds runs into is within its tone, as Hess struggles to figure out whether the film is a slapstick comedy, an oddball farce or some form of crime caper combined together with an array of bonkers character creations and it feels as though both filmmaker and cast were unable to unlock just what this 90 minute exercise in frustration, mixed with belly laughs was supposed to be.
Another anchor to the films chances of sailing the seas of comedic success is the continued downward spiral of Galifianakis, who ever since breaking out in the first Hangover adventure has become an increasingly disappointing performer.
Not far from being a self-parody at most times, Galifianakis's ability to lead a film must surely be in question by now (especially after the failings of Keeping up with the Joneses last year also) and despite him getting the odd moment to shine here, it's really up to the supporting cast to try and gain the films some extra laughs which do come from the likes of Wiig and a small supporting turn from Jason Sudeikis as a dedicated hit-man.
A potentially great comedy turned into a merely tolerable one, Masterminds is quite a big letdown upon consideration of its core story and talented cast and it seems as though if Hess can't turn this story into something, he may forever be known as the "guy" that made Napoleon Dynamite.
2 pairs of braces out of 5
- eddie_baggins
- Apr 9, 2017
- Permalink