Stometer Save your money for something good and enjoyable

VeteranLight I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Jenni Devyn Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

Floated2 American Heist struggles with many things, as for a straight to video film. Starring Adrien Brody and Hayden Christensen. Featuring in the film, is shown as Brody's slim, wiry frame is muscled here in a fashion that recalls his presence in Predators. Although there, his makeover felt like a stunt, but in American Heist it lends wasted subtext to a desperate protagonist. Occasionally, we see Brody moves you in spite of himself, and trying to act to lift up the film but it doesn't work, with the way of the weakened writing and directing. A positive about the film and its characters is the presence of Hayden Christensen,where he makes a good hero and shows some warmth in his scenes with Jordana Brewster, however only to noticing their subplot doesn't amount to anything at all. American Heist tends to play as a lesser Heat or the Town.

Tss5078 It isn't fair and it isn't right, but in the minds of many moviegoers, certain performers will always be associated with their most memorable roles. For me, Hayden Christensen will always be Anakin Skywalker, and it's strange to see him in anything but a Science Fiction film, but that doesn't mean he's not capable of playing anything else, as he shows in American Heist. Christensen plays James Kelly, an man who became an ex-con, for simply looking up to and trying to help his older brother, Frankie (Adrien Brody). As James is getting his life on track, Frankie is being released from prison and is of course looking for one big score. Now, James has to decide what's more important, keeping his new life on track or saving his older brother. Hayden Christensen gives an admirable performance, once you get passed the initial shock of Anakin cursing and covered in tattoos, but it's Adrien Brody who steals the show. Brody isn't an Academy Award winner for nothing, as his character pulls at the heart strings and has you running the gambit of emotions. Everyone knows someone like Frankie and wonders which way they'll turn out. In this case, there is also the added incentive of finding out if he'll drag his brother along with him, either way. American Heist isn't the best film out there, the story has been done, and at times, it's a little dull. This film is more about the characters and their values more than anything else. There's a fair share of language and guns, but unlike many other thrillers, that's not really the focus here, which in the end, is appreciated.

CelluloidDog This film actually falls into more the Midnight Cowboy or Taxi Driver genre rather than the typical heist film. It's not slick, sexy gadgety or with any super villain or super cop. That's probably what most people look for: a fast-paced sexy thrill of a heist. But it is again, more comparable to Midnight Cowboy or Taxi Driver, not quite in that class but you get the message. It's about the odd people getting the short stick in life. They may fail because they simply may not grasp what it takes to succeed in this world nor are given any advantages in life. Adrien Brody and Hayden Christiansen play the destitute down-on-luck brothers. Hayden plays James, the more balanced one who tries to lead a normal life. Older brother Frankie is more like the good-for-nothing lowlife career criminal. Quite similar to Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman's (Ratso) characters in Cowboy except Frankie and James served time. In Cowboy, Ratso was the con man bringing Joe Buck for the ride. In the same respect, Frankie takes James for a ride. How ungrounded and unsuccessful Frankie is signified by stealing a yellow lemon of a car. It breaks down. It's almost comical. Frankie raves that no one will notice the yellow car is stolen. But in reality, the audience knows, it is far too conspicuous. Frankie might as well wear prison orange. So the viewer can take note unfortunately such rides don't have basis in reality but only lead to dead ends.American Heist doesn't come close to those masterpieces but it tries. Unfortunately many viewers may miss the point. James tries to lead a normal life, seeks a bank loan and starts a relationship with Emily played by Jordana Brewster. Acting is superb by Brody who doesn't get a nod for a superb performance. Jordana Brewster comes close and Hayden Christiansen (should we take him seriously as an actor?) actually is creditable in his straight role.Problems? For one, the long slow pre-death scene that almost goes nowhere and the Akon soundtrack. It tries to be almost an art-house type heist but also falls a bit short of most people's expectations. But view it for the what it really is: a movie about down-and-outs. Real rating: 7.2-7.5, could be the best crime movie of the year but who notices? I bump it up due to low ratings which this film doesn't deserve. Plenty of good films get missed the first time. It might be a decade before anyone notices.

dhoepp Most of the reviews on this film are from people that want super fast cars and explosions with super intelligent heist tactics. This is not that film. But it is not a bad film.Not a bad movie at all. I really liked it. If you want a super high budget blockbuster, this is not your movie. If you want to feel the characters and understand their pain, and you can watch slow movies a gain something from them, I recommend this movie. It is definitely a B film, but both of the characters are good actors. You really feel what they are experiencing and what they have been through. I do not regret watching this film at all. But I can enjoy a good film, and I can understand the slower films.