When two highly skilled actors like Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas team up for a global diamond heist film, many expect thrilling excitement. But 'Thick as Thieves' delivers a mixed experience of occasional fun and unexpected boredom. The editorial team invites you to explore whether this film lives up to the hype.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story follows Keith Ripley (Morgan Freeman), a legendary thief planning to steal a priceless diamond from an Arab royal family displayed in Russia—his final job before retirement. He needs a young, energetic partner: Gabriel Martin (Antonio Banderas), a small-time con artist who scams tourists in New York. The collaboration of two different generations and styles leads to a plan requiring both cunning and trust, amidst pursuit by police and the Russian mafia.
Acting and Characters
Unsurprisingly, Morgan Freeman is the film's powerhouse. He convincingly portrays a seasoned thief; every word and glance carries weight. Meanwhile, Antonio Banderas plays Gabriel with a charming, mixed-race appeal, but his limited role prevents him from fully showcasing his talent. Tom Hardy, in his early career, appears as Michaels, a fierce mafia henchman. Despite little screen time, he stands out memorably. Radha Mitchell, as Alexandra, a Russian art dealer, is used merely as a plot device with no character depth.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Mimi Leder, an experienced director (behind 'Deep Impact'), tries to create a classic heist atmosphere but lacks excitement. The cinematography is beautiful in some scenes, especially capturing Russia's ambiance, but not enough to compensate for the weak script. The score by Klaus Badelt and James Dooley is adequate but lacks memorable themes.
Editorial Analysis
'Thick as Thieves' attempts to tell a complex diamond heist story but falls into the trap of formula. The film has boring stretches and unnecessary dialogue. The relationship between the main characters is not deeply developed, making it hard to care about their fate. The twist ending is predictable and unimpressive. However, the film has some charm from Freeman and Hardy's performances, which elevate it somewhat.
Verdict
A heist film with quality actors but not worth the watch. Suitable for die-hard fans of Morgan Freeman or Tom Hardy wanting to see their work, but for general audiences seeking thrilling excitement, it may disappoint.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Outstanding performances by Morgan Freeman and Tom Hardy
- +Atmosphere in some scenes, especially in Russia
- +The concept of a giant diamond heist remains interesting
👎 Cons
- −Weak and drawn-out screenplay
- −Shallow character development
- −Insufficient action and excitement
Top Cast
FAQ
Currently available on some streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV (rent or purchase), as well as DVD/Blu-ray.
No sequel exists, and none has been announced. The film ends conclusively.
Besides this film, they co-starred in 'The Code' (2009), which is the same film under a different title, and have not worked together since.
