Today’s quick review: Knockaround Guys. Matty Demaret (Barry Pepper) has always wanted to be a respected criminal like his father Benny (Dennis Hopper) and his uncle Teddy (John Malkovich). He finally gets the chance to prove himself when his father asks him to pick up a bag of cash. But when the bag goes missing, Matty must travel to Montana with his friends Chris (Andrew Davoli), Johnny (Seth Green), and Taylor (Vin Diesel) to get it back.
Knockaround Guys is a crime drama about four young criminals trying to make up for a costly mistake. What should be a simple errand turns into a fiasco when Johnny misplaces a bag containing half a million dollars, kicking off a sprawling series of events that forces Matty to take charge of a situation that’s spiraling out of control. The movie features a decent plot, well-drawn characters, and a good balance between heavier and more comedic moments.
Knockaround Guys’ greatest strength ends up being its characters. Matty and his friends are not much to look at, but they have heart. Not as tough or as ruthless as Matty’s father and uncle, they still work hard to get back the money, even as fate deals them one bad turn after another. The differences in their personalities lead to some good banter, while their varying perspectives on the criminal lifestyle let the movie touch on some deeper themes.
Beyond its characters, Knockaround Guys is a conventional but competently executed crime drama. The plot is a chaotic affair involving lost luggage, crooked cops, unruly locals, and the looming threat of Teddy flying in to take over the search. The movie has flashes of comedy that highlight how out of their element Matty and his friends are, while the more dramatic moments help to ground the story and give it meaningful stakes.
Knockaround Guys does not have the creative premise, sharp comedy, or raw pathos needed to stand out in the crowded crime genre, but the combination of a solid plot and likable characters makes it a satisfying watch all the same. Knockaround Guys is a fine pick for anyone in the mood for a movie that splits the difference between heavy acts of crime and light-hearted chaos. Those looking for a tense drama or a pure comedy may want to skip it.
For another crime drama about amateur criminals in over their heads, try Killing Them Softly, Cardboard Gangsters, or The Business. For a dark crime comedy about a scheme that gets out of hand, try Fargo. For a more comedic story about small time criminals, try Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels or Snatch. For a similar drama about four criminals looking out for one another, try Four Brothers.
6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for good characters and a decent story.