Watch Bandits
- PG-13
- 2001
- 2 hr 3 min
-
6.5 (71,629)
Bandits is a 2001 crime-comedy movie that follows the story of two best friends and petty criminals, Joe Blake played by Bruce Willis, and Terry Collins played by Billy Bob Thornton, who break out of prison and start robbing banks in order to fund their dream of living a carefree life in Mexico. Joe is the charismatic mastermind who loves the thrill of the chase, while Terry is the neurotic hypochondriac who is often paranoid and anxious. Together, they form a unique duo and become known as the "sleepover bandits" because they stay overnight in the homes of their victims, often leaving them unharmed and sometimes even befriending them.
However, their peaceful life on the run soon becomes complicated when they kidnap Kate Wheeler, played by Cate Blanchett, a bored housewife who is unhappy with her life and sees the bandits' lifestyle as an opportunity for escape. Kate quickly becomes a part of their group dynamic but not before causing some tension and jealousy between Joe and Terry.
As they continue their escapade, the trio becomes a media sensation, and they attract the attention of the law enforcement agencies, particularly the fumbling and hapless Officer Wendell played by Troy Garity. The three bandits continue their crime spree while dealing with their own personal problems, including Joe's romantic feelings for Kate and Terry's worsening hypochondria.
The movie is directed by Barry Levinson and written by Harley Peyton. Bandits boasts an impressive cast, with Willis, Thornton, and Blanchett delivering standout performances. The trio's chemistry is palpable, and their amusing banter throughout the film creates a sense of lightheartedness amidst the criminal activities.
The film's soundtrack, composed by Christopher Young, adds to the overall tone of the movie with its laidback and catchy tunes that complement the scenes perfectly. The use of music in the movie is notable, particularly the various songs that are used during Joe and Terry's heists, adding an additional layer of whimsy to their criminal antics.
Bandits is a refreshing take on the typical crime genre, offering viewers something different from the grimmer and darker films of the same category. The film's focus is not so much on the crime itself but more on the dynamics between the three characters and their relationships with each other. It is this focus on character development that sets Bandits apart from other heist movies.
In conclusion, Bandits is a well-made film that offers an enjoyable blend of comedy and crime. The movie's quirky characters, catchy soundtrack, and unexpected humor make it a joy to watch. With its talented cast and mix of genres, Bandits is a movie that is sure to please any viewer looking for a fun and entertaining cinematic experience.
Bandits is a 2001 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 60.