Starring: Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows
Director: Roger Donaldson
Studio: Lionsgate
Video: 2.35:1 anamorphic/enhanced for 16:9, 1080p HD
Audio: DTS HD Master Audio 7.1, French DD 5.1
Extras: Commentary, Deleted/Extended Scenes, Featurettes, SD Digital Copy
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Length: 110 minutes
Rating: ***1/2
Jason Statham is well on his way to becoming the number one B-movie box office action hero. With a string of successes such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, The Transporter I and II, Crank and his most recent film, 2008’s The Bank Job, he’s easily the most recognizable “everyman” in just about every B-grade crime drama and action film in circulation. His masculine good looks – combined with a very approachable stage persona – has definitely enhanced his audience appeal. In most of his films, he plays a real tough guy – though often one with a good heart – so even when he’s playing the bad guy, he’s not really that bad.
The Bank Job is based on the true story of England’s biggest robbery, which took place in the early seventies. Statham plays Terry Leather, a small-time hood who’s desperately trying to clean up his act and become a more respectable family man for his wife and kids. When he runs into an old flame, the beautiful Martine (played by Saffron Burrows), she offers him an opportunity in what seems like a fool-proof big-time bank job. Terry is overwhelmed by the magnitude of the job – he’s always strictly been small potatoes – but he also realizes the incredible opportunity. He discusses the job with his crew, and despite their reservations over the size of the job, they all decide to give it a go. When they finally break into the bank’s vault, there are cash and jewels beyond their wildest dreams. Martine has insisted on accompanying the crew – unbeknownst to them, she has her own agenda, and is looking for certain information. But they also unwittingly stumble onto an unexpected cache of information that could have serious repercussions and make all their lives very difficult indeed.
From a technical standpoint, the disc is very good, with an excellent image quality. The filmmakers have done a few things to try and give the movie more of a seventies look and feel, so some film grain is present throughout, though I never felt it was excessive. The DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack is near-reference quality as well, and provides a truly immersive surround experience. The soundtrack is filled with classic tunes from the period, and both the music and action sequences benefit from the superb sound. In terms of extras, the two disc set is loaded with features, and also includes a standard definition digital copy of the film that can be loaded on your PC, iPod or other capable personal portable. [Why anyone would want to go to the trouble in order to watch this or any big-screen HD movie in a data-reduced version on a tiny, compromised screen, I have no idea…Ed.]
While I enjoyed the film immensely, it was occasionally a little difficult to follow, and the action was a bit choppy. I did find it quite entertaining, though, and the film should stand up well to repeat viewings. Highly recommended.
— Tom Gibbs
