Click to see more

A delicately woven understated film, Life of Crime is a low key crime caper that entertains while highlighting the best of the genre. Great source material (an Elmore Leonard novel from 1978 called "The Switch"), top notch performances, and a richly evocative 70's style keep a somewhat familiar plot from seeming stale.

Elmore Leonard fans will recognise the characters Ordell Robbie (Yasiin Bey - formerly Mos Def) and Louis Gara (John Hawkes) as the younger versions of those played by Samuel L. Jackson and Robert DeNiro respectively in Tarantino’s Jackie Brown based on Leonard's book "Rum Punch." Here they are small time criminals whose ambition surpasses their competence.

The story is set in motion when amiable lowlife Ordell and his (surprisingly decent, level headed) partner in crime Louis Gara (John Hawkes) conceive an ill planned plot to kidnap the wife of embezzling property developer Frank (Tim Robbins at his most delightfully nauseating).

From the moment we meet Frank we are rooting for his wife Micky (Jennifer Anniston) to be kidnapped because anything would be better than living with this self obsessed, repellent jerk. It's clear that Micky only stays in the marriage for the love of her son Bo, who also hates his father.

Jennifer Aniston has been in so many bad movies that it is a delight to see her in something she's well suited for. In her unexpectedly funny performance, she utilises deft comic timing and is a masterful example of restraint.

Unfortunately Ordell and Louis soon discover that kidnapping Micky may not have been best way to get money out of Frank. He has already filed divorced papers and may be less inclined to pay since he really does not want to see his wife again.

Further complications arise from a cast of eccentric character including Melanie (Isla Fisher), Frank's manipulative and determined girlfriend, Marshall Taylor (Will Forte) who witnesses the abduction and Mark Boone Junior (Richard Monk) the third kidnapper who is an obese neo-nazi gun runner.

Unlike many other kidnapping capers, the movie does not not rely on violence and suspense but rather the characters. The kidnapping serves as catalyst for each character to examine their own lives and reassess them. For Micky especially, the kidnappers act as rescuers, and through an unspoken layer of subtext we see her deal with her underlying unhappiness to transform into the best version of herself.

As the least horrible people become involved, it makes sense that Micky and Louis bond, culminating in a truly excellent last scene.

The relatively low stakes, meandering plot, and slow pace may not appeal to those who like plot driven action packed films. The storyline is nothing new, but the sparkling dialogue gives it new life.

Life of Crime may not be the best adaptation of an Elmore Leonard book (Out of Sight and Jackie Brown are tied as my personal favourites), but its competence and charm ensure a pleasant watching experience.