$windle (2002)

User Rating:

5.5/10   

Director:

K.C. Bascombe

Writers:

K.C. Bascombe (written by)
K.C. Bascombe (story) ...

Release Date:

12 April 2004 (South Korea)

Genre:

Action | Crime | Thriller | Drama

Tagline:

Friday 5.01PM... Bank Robbery In Progress... Nothing Is What It Seems.

Plot:

Four thieves attempt to make the richest score in history. |

Plot Keywords:

Beautiful Woman | Nonlinear Timeline | Bank Manager | Undercover Cop | Elvis Impersonator

Cast

Tom Sizemore	...	Seth George
Sherilyn Fenn	...	Sophie Zenn
Dave Foley	...	Michael Barnes
Conrad Pla	...	Cisco
Alain Goulem	...	Curtis Locke
Alan Fawcett	...	Lieutenant Dan Archer
Katie Griffin	...	Judy
Jack Daniel Wells	...	Lieutenant Jackson Craig
Genevieve Sabourin	...	Samantha Erickson
Vanya Rose	...	Cory Lee
Ryan Kennedy	...	Officer Richie O'Malley
Lori Graham	...	Reporter
Sasha Gervais	...	Marc
Candace Sibley	...	Hooker
Barry Blake	...	Lawrence

Also Known As:

Escrocs (Canada: French title)
Swindle (USA)

MPAA:

Rated R for some violence and brief sexuality/nudity.

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

South Korea:15 | Netherlands:16 | Australia:M | Germany:16 | Norway:15 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Company:

Faulkner Productions

Goofs:

Factual errors: During Seth's narration prior to entering the poker game, he mentions that they will be playing Texas Hold 'em. The game they actually play on screen is Draw.

Quotes:

Cisco: No... Gary Cooper was in 'High Noon'.

Movie Connections:

References The Cisco Kid (1931)

Predictable 'Heist' Film, Brightened by Leads...

It is doubtful that you'll remember much about $WINDLE for long; as a 'heist' film with an undercover cop (Tom Sizemore) falling for mastermind Sherilyn Fenn, it is pretty much 'by the numbers', with the mandatory 'psycho gang member' (Conrad Pla), a plot twist that isn't that surprising, and a resolution that is predictable (save for Dave Foley's unexpected windfall). What provides the greatest pleasure in the film are the performances of Sizemore and Fenn, who are both terrific.

Tom Sizemore is a fast-talking, quick-witted cop who is deep undercover as a freelance hood 'recruited' for an old-fashioned bank job, and whether he is quoting Jack Kerouac while seducing Fenn, savoring a high-stakes poker game, or trying to explain to his partner that he's not on the 'take', he dominates the screen each time he appears.

Sherilyn Fenn is a marvel. After surviving early roles best remembered for her frequent nude scenes (TWO MOON JUNCTION, MERIDIAN), she has matured into an actress of some range and a remarkable sensitivity. When she describes men's usual 'pick up' lines ("Nice dress...It would look great on my floor"), there is a world-weariness and pain in her voice that is totally honest. At 37, she has achieved a balance between her still breathtaking beauty and growing dramatic skills that, in a 'kinder' world, would provide her better roles in more than just 'Indie' films.

$WINDLE isn't a great film, but catch it, anyway, for Sizemore and Fenn. You won't be disappointed!