Text only

REEL REVIEWS COLUMN:  ‘Bandits’ try to steal the show

By AIMIE PIZANO

‘Bandits’ is a true story of two fugitives and the woman they both fall in love with.

When Joe (Bruce Willis) and Terry (Billy Bob Thorton) break out of an Oregon prison, they form the perfect bank robbing team.

They only rob banks, however, to fund their dream of legitimacy, which is running a nightclub in Acapulco. The way Joe sees it, it will be "Tuxedos and Margaritas" for them.

Terry decides that the best way to rob banks is to kidnap the manager the night before and steal the money in the morning before anyone is the wiser. This method earns them the nickname the Sleepover Bandits and a growing fan base across the U.S.

What I found to be quite humorous about these bank robbers is their politeness to everyone involved in the robberies. Also, I found it quite impressive that they used little or no violence to get what they wanted, surprising for a PG-13 movie.

All runs smoothly until the boys meet an attractive yet lonely housewife named Kate (Cate Blanchett) who threatens to come between Joe and Terry.

Director Barry Levinson is known for such projects as "Good Morning Vietnam," "Rain Man," and "Wag the Dog." He shows us background details and other information such as the duo using a home video interview with the host of an "American’s Most Wanted" – like show.

"Bandits" is pleasant yet disappointing. The plot moved slowly at mid-film, and I was confused about how Joe and Terry actually got into jail and became partners in crime.

The performances certainly make the film since the plot does not. The chemistry among Willis, Thorton and Blanchett is interesting and believable.

Surprisingly, Thorton is the scene stealer. As the intelligent, sweet but neurotic hypochondrias, Terry makes for the best character. His offbeat humor combined with his so-called ailments makes him a welcome relief from the mundane plot.