Fish in a Barrel (2001)

Fish in a Barrel Poster

6 gun wielding people are trapped in a NY loft with $4 million in stolen diamonds.

Film Overview
"Fish in a Barrel" is a 2001 criminal offense comedy movie composed and directed by Kent Dalian. The movie features an ensemble cast that includes Jeremy Renner, Alexis Arquette, Michael Biehn, Jane Lynch, and Fred Williamson. The plot revolves around a group of pals who inadvertently get associated with a mess focusing on a taken diamond.

Plot Summary
The film starts when six friends discover a suitcase containing an important diamond at a poker game. Sam (Jeremy Renner), Gunner (Alexis Arquette), Reed (Robert Miano), Ruben (Michael Biehn), Celeste (Jane Lynch), and Melvin (Fred Williamson), in their naivety, choose to try and sell the diamond to get some fast money. They become interwoven in a web of criminal activity, including slick jewel burglars, threatening gangsters, and corrupt cops.

Raymond (Francois Vincentelli), the original thief of the precious diamond, becomes aware that this group of pals has actually stolen his valuable item. This sets off a series of events that places the friends right in the eye of the storm, as the initially friendly poker game spirals into a lethal video game of cat and mouse as Raymond tracks to them seeking his vengeance.

Character Analysis
Jeremy Renner's character, Sam, is the group's ignorant leader who takes charge of the diamond-selling operation, while Alexis Arquette's Gunner is the slacker who creates the idea to sell the taken gem. Michael Biehn's amiable Ruben is the group's voice of factor, attempting to maintain peace amongst them. Jane Lynch's Celeste includes humor to the film as a gullible lady who is swept up in the chaos, while Robert Miano and Fred Williamson provide strong supporting performances as the lovable, faithful friends.

Main Themes
"Fish in a Barrel" is mainly a funny with components of crime and suspense intricately woven together. The movie explores styles of friendship, loyalty, greed, and the misconception that fast money can lead to happiness and satisfaction. It highlights the unsafe extent to which individuals can be pushed when positioned in precarious situations.

Important Reception
The film got mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its funny script and unique take on the crime genre, others felt the plot was overwhelmed by its large selection of characters and fractured narrative style. The performances, especially those of Renner and Arquette, were singled out for appreciation. Despite these varied reactions, "Fish in a Barrel" is still considered an intriguing example of independent cinema, offering a various viewpoint of the crime-comedy category.

Conclusion
In general, "Fish in a Barrel" is a comedy-laced crime film that explores the turmoil that ensues when a common group of pals becomes entangled worldwide of crime after finding a taken diamond. While browsing this world, they are forced to deal with unexpected obstacles and come to grips with their fear, greed, and loyalty. In spite of its blended evaluations, the film's special representation of criminal activity, combined with its robust performances and underlying humor, supplies an amusing watch that leaves viewers speculating about what they would carry out in a comparable situation.

Top Cast

  • Jeremy Renner (small)
    Jeremy Renner
    Remy
  • David Kelsey (small)
    David Kelsey
    O'Connor
  • Arly Jover (small)
    Arly Jover
    Nina
  • Stephen Ingle
    Casper
  • Rene M. Rigal
    Sammy
  • Kent Dalian
    Eddie
  • Travis Oates (small)
    Travis Oates
    Hippie Cashier
  • Stephanie Yantzer
    Crying Customer
  • Calvin Culver
    Tourist
  • Carmen Culver
    Tourist
  • Ralph Howard
    Man on Bicycle