Masterminds (2016)

Overview

Masterminds is a 2016 American crime comedy film inspired by a true story. Directed by Jared Hess, the film draws inspiration from one of the strangest and biggest cash heists in history, led by a real-life armored truck driver named David Ghantt. Bringing together a strong cast including Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, and Kate McKinnon, the production blends absurdist comedy with a real-life plot to offer viewers an experience that's both funny and prompts the reaction "did this actually happen?"

Rather than relying on classic crime film formulas, the film adopts an approach that emphasizes just how amateurish and chaotic the real event actually was. For those expecting a serious heist film, Masterminds completely flips expectations, because what we're dealing with here aren't professional thieves, but ordinary, somewhat naive, and quite inept people. This strange reality forms the film's biggest draw.

Jared Hess's quirky, distinctive comedic style, familiar from films like Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, is felt here as well. The ordinariness of the characters, the absurdity of the dialogue, and the way events unfold create an atmosphere that keeps the viewer smiling throughout.

Plot

The story centers around David Ghantt, an armored truck driver living an ordinary life. David is a character responsible for ensuring cash security at the company he works for, leading an incredibly dull and monotonous existence. However, everything changes when a former coworker, Kelly Campbell, enters his life. Kelly involves David in a plan to steal a large sum of money, and when this offer combines with David's desire to escape his monotonous life, things quickly start to unfold.

Although the plan seems simple on paper, things become unexpectedly complicated once put into action. David's naivety, the self-interest of those around him, and the fact that the plan was poorly conceived from the start trigger a series of comical and sometimes tense events following the heist. The sheer size of the money, the characters' inability to figure out how to handle such a large sum, and the chaos surrounding the events form the film's main framework.

As the film progresses, the mistrust among the people behind the heist, the conflicts of interest between them, and their efforts to cover up the events increase the level of comedy. Despite being adapted from a true story, the viewer witnesses incredibly ridiculous developments, which makes the film's "inspired by a true story" label all the more interesting.

Why Watch It?

There are many reasons to watch Masterminds. First of all, the fact that the film is inspired by a true event adds an element of curiosity that makes viewers ask, "could something this absurd really have happened?" This grain of reality makes the comedic elements more effective, because the absurdity isn't purely fictional—it's fueled by the real mistakes of real people.

The second major reason is the cast's chemistry. Zach Galifianakis's naive and green character, Kristen Wiig's balancing performance, Owen Wilson's charismatic but untrustworthy demeanor, and Kate McKinnon's portrayal of a memorably strange character make the film worth watching on their own. The on-screen chemistry between these actors is strong enough to cover up even the weak points in the script.

Third, the film's pacing and sense of comedy offer a fairly relaxed viewing experience. It's an ideal choice for those looking for an enjoyable evening's entertainment that doesn't require heavy concentration. At the same time, it also offers a fresh and unconventional perspective for those tired of classic heist films, which is another significant plus.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Masterminds is particularly suitable for fans of absurdist, character-driven comedy. Viewers familiar with Zach Galifianakis's style from the Hangover series will find a similar energy here. It's also an enjoyable option for those who like productions inspired by true events but handled in a comedic rather than dramatic way.

Suitable for those who want to watch a light comedy with older family members, the film doesn't contain overly crude language or disturbing scenes. However, for those expecting to watch real crime events told in a serious, tense manner, Masterminds may be disappointing, since the film deliberately steers clear of seriousness.

Viewers who appreciate comedic actors' performances and improvisational-style dialogue will also enjoy this film. On the other hand, for those expecting a fast-paced, action-packed heist film, the pacing may sometimes feel slow.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. A strong and cohesive cast, with performances by Galifianakis and McKinnon in particular contributing greatly to the film.

2. Being inspired by a true event adds an extra layer of curiosity and interest to the story.

3. The absurdist comedic style offers a distinct and original experience compared to classic heist films.

Cons:

1. The script relies on repetitive jokes and predictable developments in some sections, which occasionally slows down the pacing.

2. Character development can feel superficial; some supporting characters remain shallow figures that exist only for comic moments.

Genre and Tone

Masterminds stands out as a typical example of the crime comedy genre. The film's tone is generally light, entertaining, and occasionally features elements of dark humor. Despite being about a real heist, the film never takes on the atmosphere of a tense crime drama; instead, it aims to make the viewer laugh by emphasizing the absurdity of events and the characters' incompetence.

Jared Hess's signature quirky aesthetic and the characters' unusual behaviors are among the most important elements shaping the film's overall tone. The dialogue is generally absurd, and situations are handled in an exaggerated manner. This completely separates the film from a classic "based on a true story" drama and instead gives more of an impression of a caricatured crime tale.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

The film has a runtime of approximately 94 minutes, which is an ideal length for the comedy genre. It's neither too short, leaving the story feeling shallow, nor does it bore the viewer with unnecessary padding. While the pacing is generally smooth, there can be minor dips in some scenes due to the repetitive nature of certain comedic elements.

Similar Productions

• The Hangover Trilogy

• We're the Millers

• Central Intelligence

• Tag

• Vacation

• Keeping Up with the Joneses

Final Assessment

Masterminds is an enjoyable, easygoing film that draws from a true event but brings it to the screen with an extremely absurd comedic sensibility. The strong cast, particularly the performances of Zach Galifianakis and Kate McKinnon, compensates for some of the film's weaker scriptwriting points. For viewers open to a story that shows just how ridiculous and disorganized real events can be, rather than expecting a classic heist film, this is a satisfying choice.

The film doesn't claim to be a great cinematic masterpiece; but as a comedy that's light, succeeds in making you laugh, and carries an extra element of curiosity due to being inspired by a true event, it gives viewers a good time. Especially for fans of absurdist comedy and those who value strong performances, Masterminds stands out as a production worth trying.