AudioFileZ
A movie about bandits robbing banks? Well, in a way Bandits is that. It happens to be more about the couple of guys who are the bandits. That makes it more than a crime caper. This movie pulls you in but hardly due to criminal behavior as it quickly becomes a story of the relationship between two disparate prison escapees. In this way the movie rises to something different, and better.First there's two interesting main characters who play the escapee bandits. The creation of these characters through intelligent and witty writing brings makes their union especially good. What really brings the two to life is the portrayals of these two by Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton. They raise excellent writing to a high level indeed through their individual talent and pure chemistry. Part of the synergy between the two is certainly their often opposite approaches to life. Willis's smoothness is accentuated by Thornton's nervous brainy take on their situation. It's like mixing oil and vinegar and with some added spices a great union results making each better. The great enjoyment of this movie is seeing their diversity coming together in snappy dialog and brilliant answers in the form of their actions. The added spices are quite well realized with their mentally affected driver Harvey played gloriously off-center by Troy Garity and a great lost and lonely female love interest Kate played by the often scene stealing Kate Blanchett. With Willis and Thornton's roles being played out so well it's a high praise that Garity and Blanchett keep up so well. As a viewer the criminal thing is just a vehicle for some quite special characters to unfold around. You will relish their interplay much more than than the crimes they commit I won't spoil the actual story other than to say it's a very good palate in which all involved paint a modest masterpiece of characters you invest in and root for. The ever present thread of comedy is the string that ties it together for pure entertainment.Great colorful characters, a good story (sure there's plenty of holes and not a one that matters), witty and smart dialogue, and nice music seal this deal, director Barry Levisnon wrapped up one fantastic ride!
Python Hyena
Bandits (2001): Dir: Barry Levinson / Cast: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Troy Garity, January Jones: Title represents Cate Blanchett and the irony that nobody knows what she is really doing. Flashbacks narrate as Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton are surrounded by police in a bank where hostages are taken. Upon escaping from prison they rob banks using a magic marker. They take bank managers hostage the night before and rob the bank the following morning. This has the media tagging them as the "Sleepover Bandits." They meet Blanchett, a dysfunctional housewife who feels unappreciated by her workaholic husband and bratty children. She joins the bandits for excitement but media see her as a victim. This leads to a very violent climax. Director Barry Levinson plays off the humour effectively. His resume contains such titles as Rain Man and Wag the Dog. Willis and Thornton are well cast with Blanchett in fine comic flair. Blanchett will end up in a romantic triangle with both parties but it is the deception that eventually wins out that keep this film from greatness. Troy Garity plays a brainless stunt guy who acts as their getaway. The big downfall is the idiots they attempt to rob who play off the media. While special effects are familiar, the film points out destructive nature of particular lifestyles as well as the media's ability to exaggerate it. Score: 5 ½ / 10
Anish Shrivastava
i cant believe this movie to be a box office flop. i mean what was bad in it? it was such a good entertaining movie. forget about the faults,cause they are not worth to be counted . a bit slow in some places,but the funny scenes were really funny,and i really laughed. it was obviously a worth movie. n trust me don't believe on those comments who say that this movie is a bore.... i recommend it anyone who would like to watch a real entertainer. Bruce and Bob were awesome. though i was expecting a different kind of end,but still its good. Bruce willies proves once again that he deserves to be called a superstar ,though bob steals the show. he was simply superb. though i only write comments about bad movies but i could not resist ,cause there had been a lot of bad comments about this movie. this movie deserves a lot better rating.
merklekranz
"Bandits' has it's moments. There is some sharp black humor, but also, way too many dead spots for this movie to be anything but average. The acting is acceptable. I thought Billy Bob Thornton's hypochondriac obsessions were overdone. The love triangle could have been trimmed. The ending was totally unrealistic. The over the top disguises added little. My conclusion is that a half hour could be on the cutting room floor and actually improve the film. If you come in with moderate expectations, you will probably not squirm too much, but I found myself wishing it would move along when it dragged, which was often. Certainly a disappointment, but watchable. - MERK
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