The Art of the Steal *** (2013, Kurt Russell, Matt Dillon, Jay Baruchel, Terence Stamp) – Movie Review

An ancient-looking Kurt Russell (aged 63) stars as semi-reformed art thief Crunch Calhoun, who agrees to re-assemble his old gang for one last heist. Along with his possibly duplicitous brother Nicky (Matt Dillon) and a hyper new young recruit called Francie Tobin (Jay Baruchel), the gang aim to steal a rare and priceless Bible via an exceptionally complicated plan. But Interpol is on the trail, aided by a world-weary informant, dodgy art expert Samuel Winter, played by an even more ancient-looking Terence Stamp.

The relentlessly complex plotting and endless witty banter will keep you involved in this amiable, comical Sting/Oceans-style heist thriller. If you don’t go expecting too much, you’ll find some solid entertainment.

Despite the frenzied climax, there are really no surprises, but all the actors and Canadian writer/director Jonathan Sobol turn cartwheels trying to please us. And The Art of the Steal remains friendly and likeable throughout.

Kenneth Welsh is also outstanding as ‘Uncle’ Paddy MacCarthy.

Sobol’s screenplay is too derivative for fresh fun, but it still cranks along OK, with quite a few laughs and amusing quirky situations. Russell pleases, and so do Baruchel, Stamp and Dillon. Kenneth Welsh is also outstanding as ‘Uncle’ Paddy MacCarthy.

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© Derek Winnert 2014 Movie Review

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