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Bandits on DVD (2001)

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Average rating: 64%
1115620111214
3.0
from 474 members
 
Starring: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Brian F. O'Byrne, Stacey Travis, Azura Skye, Micole Mercurio
Director: Barry Levinson
Studio: MGM ENTERTAINMENT
Run time: 123 mins
Certificate: 12
User collections: Bruce Willis
Genres: Comedy
Languages: English
Hearing-impaired: English
Released: 20/05/2002

Brief synopsis of Bandits

Following a spur-of-the-moment escape from an Oregon prison, macho ladies man Joe Blake (Bruce Willis) and sensitive, hypochondriac Terry Collins (Billy Bob Thornton) become the best-known thieves in the country. Deemed "The Sleepover Bandits," Joe and Terry add a twist to conventional bank robberies by taking the bank manager hostage the night before the heist and accompanying him/her to the bank first thing in the morning. With the help of Joe's cousin, Harvey J. Pollard (Troy Garity), a simple, aspiring stuntman, "The Sleepover Bandits" rob their way down to southern California with hopes of making it to Mexico. Joe and Terry's partnership and friendship is tested, however, when they each fall in love with Kate Wheeler (Cate Blanchett), an unhappy, unappreciated housewife who deems herself their hostage and ultimately finds herself attracted to both men. Directed by Barry Levinson (DINER, RAIN MAN, WAG THE DOG), this somewhat quirky comedy features fine performances from Willis, Thornton, and Blanchett and is a nice departure from the average buddy film. Levinson's framing of the story through the reports of a true-crime show is particularly interesting.

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 3 stars out of 5 Radio Times

Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton play a modern-day Butch and Sundance in this thoroughly enjoyable (if utterly nonsensical) comedy drama from Barry Levinson. The stars portray charismatic bank robbers who earn the nickname of “sleepover bandits” because of their habit of casually kidnapping bank managers the night before a job. However, their modus operandi is complicated when they both fall for a woman (Cate Blanchett) they take along for the ride. The film is at its best when Willis and Thornton are exchanging witty banter and the two actors, sporting increasingly laughable hairpieces, certainly enjoy themselves.

USA Today

"...A rare romantic comedy/road picture that's not only flat-out funny, but also presents complex and well-developed characters..."

Box Office

"...BANDITS manages to surprise, delight and charm. Its headliners possess character actors' skills and star-power shine..."

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 stars

nash#1 from BUCKLEY , 21/11/2003

Superb! Bruce Willis at his alternate best. Not only does the film have a great storyline but the acting is excellent and the music is equally as good. If you like Bruce Willis it's definitely worth renting. Watch out for the outrageous disguises that show the funny side of this film.

  5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 2 starsNeither comedy nor drama

A customer from London , 10/11/2003

This film is a mess - its not funny and its not exciting. A sad comedown for Barry Levinson.

  4 out of 6 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 3 starsBandits

Traff from Kent , 05/12/2003

This is generally a good movie with once again Bruce Willis providing a much neglected asset - his comedy. The beginning is good and gives you the feel of a Tarantino movie as it starts near the end of the plot and then fills you in from there onwards. The middle gets a bit dull but the end regains your attention. I feel anyone with an IQ of one can see what is going to happen but it is well done anyway. All in all a good film.

  2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsFunny and touching with an amusing twist.

A customer from St. Albans , 21/10/2008

Willis and Thornton lurch from one preposterous scene to the next with the lovely Cate Blanchett adding to the mayhem. This movie never for a moment takes itself too seriously. I can see why some people might tune-out if they are expecting the classic Bruce Willis, but this IS a 'laugh out loud' romp and well worth seeing.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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Most Recent Reviews

Rated - 3 starsBandits

Traff from Kent , 05/12/2003

This is generally a good movie with once again Bruce Willis providing a much neglected asset - his comedy. The beginning is good and gives you the feel of a Tarantino movie as it starts near the end of the plot and then fills you in from there onwards. The middle gets a bit dull but the end regains your attention. I feel anyone with an IQ of one can see what is going to happen but it is well done anyway. All in all a good film.

  2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 3 starsCustomer Review

A customer from UK , 23/06/2008

The double act of Willis and Thornton is a joy to watch, but Cate Blanchett is completely miscast, being too serious and intense an actor to do ditzy. The story meanders in the middle with the love triangle and I got bored enough to almost give up. Speaking as a woman, it's not really believeable that she would fall for both of them [or even one!]. Also unbelievable that no-one spotted the bandits before if they were so famous. But then the big scam at the end is wonderfully done, and I was fooled, so definitely worth watching.

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