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How to Rob a Bank review – Amazon’s anti-capitalist caper is far from a riot
How to Rob a Bank follows a group of masked Pittsburgh criminals who stage heists, share instructions with online followers and donate some of their proceeds to local charities. The film aims to offer a Robin Hood-style response to economic hardship and distrust in institutions, but the review finds its social commentary and action flat and slow.
Nicholas Hoult leads the group, alongside Anna Sawai, Pete Davidson and Rhenzy Feliz; John C Reilly plays an FBI agent who recruits a hacker, portrayed by Zoë Kravitz, to catch them. The reviewer says the film’s online culture feels dated, its characters are thinly drawn and its soundtrack seems out of step, leaving the caper unable to capture the moment it seeks to reflect.
In short
- Masked robbers share heist videos and give some proceeds to charities.
- The film tries to turn economic anger into a Robin Hood caper.
- The review finds its action and social commentary sluggish and dated.
Explained simply
Bank robbery films often frame criminals as rebels against banks and other institutions, sometimes presenting their thefts as a response to inequality or economic hardship. This film centres on masked robbers in Pittsburgh who share their methods online and give some of the money to local charities.
Nicholas Hoult leads the group, with Anna Sawai, Pete Davidson and Rhenzy Feliz among its members. John C Reilly plays an FBI agent who enlists a hacker, played by Zoë Kravitz, to track them down. The story draws on familiar questions about crime, wealth and trust in institutions.
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