The Art of the Steal

Today’s quick review: The Art of the Steal. After a botched job leads to a five-year stint in prison, wheelman Crunch Calhoun (Kurt Russell) retires from crime to make an honest living as a motorcycle daredevil. But his new life lasts only until his half-brother Nicky (Matt Dillon) resurfaces with a new job. Against his better judgment, Crunch reunites with his old crew to steal a book that’s worth a small fortune from a border station in Canada.

The Art of the Steal is a budget crime comedy starring Kurt Russell. The film reunites a gang of colorful art thieves for one last score. The Art of the Steal is not as flashy as its bigger-budget counterparts. The stakes are modest, the world is small, and the stunts are all but nonexistent. But what the movie lacks in scope it makes up for in cunning and style. The result is a fun but coarse watch that packs a couple of nice surprises.

The Art of the Steal goes a long way on its wits alone. The plot takes more setup than seems strictly necessary, but the added complexity pays off with some clever wrinkles down the line. The emphasis is less on the heist itself than on the drama surrounding it: Nicky was the reason Crunch wound up in jail, and the entire job hinges on whether he’s trustworthy. This gives The Art of the Steal just enough going on to make it a worthwhile heist film.

The Art of the Steal never goes for big laughs, but it scores a string of modest hits with its characters. Kurt Russell headlines as Crunch Calhoun, a washed-up criminal of limited means. He’s joined by a cast of thieves who keep the plot moving and the dialogue lively. There are no brilliant performances, but Jay Baruchel, Matt Dillon, Terence Stamp, and Jason Jones all contribute to the film’s atmosphere of honest thievery and light bickering.

The Art of the Steal is a solid pick for heist fans who don’t mind some rough edges. Compared to other crime movies, there’s not much excitement and the stakes are low. But within these boundaries, The Art of the Steal manages to scrape together a decent plot and a likable cast of rogues. Those expecting lots of action or a jaw-dropping heist will be disappointed. Those looking for a light caper with a touch of style should look no further.

For a punchier crime comedy with an even more elaborate plot and a better payoff, try one of Guy Ritchie’s takes on the genre, including Snatch, RocknRolla, and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. For a flashier crime comedy in the same vein, try either version of The Italian Job. For a tamer heist film that plays similar tricks with a limited budget, try Gambit. For better humor and fancier heists, try Ocean’s Eleven and its sequels.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for a modest but successful caper.