Today’s quick review: The Hurricane Heist. As Hurricane Tammy bears down on Gulfport, Alabama, meteorologist Willie Rutledge (Toby Kebbell) prepares to leave town with his brother Breeze (Ryan Kwanten). But when Conor Perkins (Ralph Ineson) uses the storm as cover to steal $600 million in old bills from a U.S. Treasury building, the brothers must brave the storm and work with Casey Corbyn (Maggie Grace), the ATF agent in charge of the money, to stop him.
The Hurricane Heist is an action movie set in a small Alabama town in the middle of a vicious hurricane. The Hurricane Heist embraces both halves of its premise, using the Treasury heist to drive the plot and the superstorm Tammy to fuel the action. The movie works well as a popcorn action flick, thanks to its fast pacing and sense of spectacle. However, its far-fetched plot, mediocre writing, and lack of star power keep the film from having broad appeal.
The Hurricane Heist is honest about what it promises. The movie does not bother with realism or too much drama. Instead it focuses on the basics of the action genre: plot, spectacle, and simple fun. The heist is elaborate enough to keep the heroes busy, the storm is as catastrophic as one could expect, and the characters are clear and likable, if not exactly memorable. The result is an easy, entertaining watch for anyone who doesn’t need to be impressed.
However, The Hurricane Heist does not have what it takes to compete with the best of the action genre. Its premise is original but not enough to set the movie apart. Its plot is one or two degrees more complicated than it needs to be without the cleverness to justify its complexity. The writing is workmanlike but never sparkles. Likewise, the characters are adequate for what the film is trying to do but not enough to draw in viewers on their own.
Fans of budget action movies should give The Hurricane Heist a shot. Its competent execution and decent special effects make it a more rewarding watch than the usual budget flick, but it lacks the cleverness, innovation, and vision to match the better movies in the genre. How much you get out of the movie will depend on your standards. Critical viewers will find little to love; those looking for something light and entertaining will have better luck.
For another action thriller set in the midst of a hurricane, try Hard Rain. For an action movie with a similar tone and more star power, try The Last Stand. For a similarly complex heist, try Takers.
5.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for simple, honest action.