Today’s quick review: The Code. To pull off his latest heist, Keith Ripley (Morgan Freeman), an elusive art thief, takes on Gabriel Martin (Antonio Banderas) as his new partner. The two set their sights on an impossible target: a pair of Faberge eggs locked in the impregnable vault of a Russian jeweler with FSB connections. But as the plan progresses, Gabriel can’t help but get involved with Alex (Radha Mitchell), the daughter of Ripley’s deceased partner.
The Code is a heist movie with two strong leads and a fairly standard plot. Very little about the film is outstanding, but the talented duo of Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas are enough to see it through. Morgan Freeman plays Keith Ripley, an art thief whose checkered past casts doubt on his trustworthiness. Antonio Banderas plays opposite him as Gabriel Martin, a fellow thief who must decide whether the $40 million payout is worth the risk.
The plot has the usual elements of a heist film: an impossible theft, a resourceful detective, and a dash of danger from the criminal underworld. The heist itself has a decent assortment of technological traps and human elements, while the plot has just enough in the way of twists and uncertainty to remain engaging. The film’s romantic subplot between Gabriel and Alex is fairly satisfying, with Antonio Banderas and Radha Mitchell playing off each other well.
Watch The Code when you are in the mood for a crime movie, plain and simple. The Code is right on par for the genre, making it a fine choice to while away a couple of hours with. Those with discerning tastes should probably shop around a bit more. Try Ocean’s Eleven for a more elaborate heist with a heavy dose of comedy, The Italian Job for a light heist with a touch more pizzazz, or The Town for a dramatic take on the genre.
6.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for good leads, decent execution, and a mediocre plot.