Bandits

Review by Clint Morris

Like the three little pigs having to prevail over the big bad wolf, Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton and Cate Blanchett have some real work ahead of them if they are not to turn box office dust from the imminent B.O marauder. Thankfully, it's the three leads that are doing the huffing and puffing - and their vigour and oomph win over what could have been an otherwise token bank robbing farce.

Directed by Barry Levinson, Bandits is a character pleasantry combining three of the most resourceful actors on screen - the immersing Thornton, the volatile Willis and the watertight Blanchett. Couple that with a well conceived script from Harley Peyton (Twin Peaks), the startling backdrop of America's northwest and a back catalogue of Sony's vinyl greats - and you have one of the most enjoyable acts of late.

Off-beat and enthused, Bandits is a look 'back' at the lives of two famed bank robbers Joe Blake (Willis) and Terry Collins (Thornton), more prominently known as the sleepover bandits because of their unorthodox bank robbing plans. Instead of walking into banks during the day when they are full of people, why not go to the bank manager's home the night before, kidnap him and his family, then go to the bank in the morning before it opens and clean the place out.

Joe is the one with the lip and spontaneous temperament always shooting off before thinking, while Terry is the analyser who never ever got the leading lady. Enter, loopy bored housewife Kate (Blanchett) she attaches herself to the victorious criminals, finally realising that disjointedly the men aren't quite her cuppa, but together they make one hell of a beast. Naturally, she too gets caught up in their poised reign of robberies.

If there's one thing that makes Bandits work it's the palpable chemistry between Willis - a master of comic timing - and Thornton - always immersing - both obviously having a great time In their chaotic counterparts runners. Cate Blanchett manages to meld the duo even more effectively, whilst giving another startling and immersing performance herself.

Bandits won't exactly steal your heart, but it will borrow it for a couple of hours; and hand it back when you're well and truly smiling.

3.5 out of 5

Bandits
Australian release: Commences Thursday 21st March across Australia
Cast: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Troy Garity, Bobby Slayton, Azura Skye.
Director: Barry Levinson.
Website: Click here

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