How to Rob a Bank (2007)

Director:

Andrews Jenkins

Writer:

Andrews Jenkins (written by)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

...and 10 easy tips to get away with it

Plot:

Caught in the middle of a bank robbery, a slacker and a bank employee become the ones who arbitrate the intense situation.

Plot Keywords:

Heist | Slacker | Bank Robbery | Locked In Bank Vault | Gagged And Bound

Cast

Nick Stahl	...	Jinx
Erika Christensen	...	Jessica
Gavin Rossdale	...	Simon
Terry Crews	...	Officer DeGepse
David Carradine	...	Nick
Leo Fitzpatrick	...	Gunman
Adriano Aragon	...	Fellow Officer
Britt Delano	...	Key Witness

Runtime:

81 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:M | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Hollywood Center Studios - 1040 N. Las Palmas Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Rick Lashbrook Films

Trivia:

The full list of tips shown throughout the film on how to rob a bank are: Tip #1 - Decide to rob a bank. Tip #2 - Have a plan. Tip #3 - Have a back-up plan. Tip #4 - Establish clear communications. Tip #5 - Choose your partners carefully. Tip #6 - Expect the unexpected. Tip #7 - Shit happens. Tip #8 - Don't get greedy. Tip #9 - Remember, shit happens. Tip #10 - Hang up and know when to walk away.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Jason 'Jinx' Taylor: Life is stealing from you. Literally. Surcharge by surcharge. Convenience is bleeding you dry. Nickel by nickel. Chump change. That dime you don't even bother to bend over to pick up on the sidewalk is the same dime you get bent over for by all these services...

Movie Connections:

References Jerry Maguire (1996)

Soundtrack:

Cash Machine

A Fun Romp!

It's difficult to make a film where nothing happens exciting to the viewer, but the filmmakers have done that here. Because nothing happens. And it works anyway. The cinematography is original and well done. The way the DP has the camera move gives you a real feel for the location and the claustrophobia the characters must feel. One shot in particular stands out. The camera moves from the vault back through the bank, out a bullet hole, and ends with the cops.

The dialogue is sharp and often funny. You might not be repeating any lines to your friends but the dialogue feels real. Okay, there was a little exposition, but not a lot. The exchange that ends with "I have his number if you want it" cracked me up.

The situations with cell phone use feel authentic in how they play out. The characters' frustrations and lack of cleverness is a refreshing change from most films. The editing is fairly tight. Scenes don't drag.