Masterminds (2016)

Masterminds Poster

A night guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history.

Introduction
"Masterminds" is a 2016 American funny movie directed by Jared Hess and written by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, and Emily Spivey. The film is based on the October 1997 Loomis Fargo Bank robbery in North Carolina, considered as one of the most significant bank break-ins in the United States.

Plot
David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis), a hapless armored lorry guard with a boring task at Loomis Fargo, is deeply infatuated with his work crush, Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig). Kelly, who discovers her job similarly dull, gets fired and soon after, meets an old good friend, Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson). Steve is an audacious small-time criminal, and when he learns about David's job, he prepares a plan to rob Loomis Fargo.

Kelly uses David's infatuation with her and lures him into the plan. Steve orchestrates the heist, and David, blinded by his love for Kelly, agrees and robs the vault of 17 million dollars. Becoming an overnight 'mastermind,' David effectively provides Steve the cash, and he and his accomplices cake their tracks. In accordance with the strategy, David runs away to Mexico alone while the other offenders divided the cash.

Post Heist Antics
Once settled in Mexico, David understands that he's been entrusted to just a fraction of the overall cash and is basically stranded. Meanwhile, Steve spends lavishly, drawing attention and FBI Agent Scanlon's (Leslie Jones) suspicion. Kelly is guilt-ridden, recognizing David's innocent love for her and bitterness towards Steve starts to grow.

Steve, anticipating the closing authorities, works with a hitman, Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis), to get rid of David, therefore removed any loose ends. However, in a hilariously unexpected twist, Mike and David become good friends after a messed up assassination attempt.

Turning Tides
David, now familiar with Steve's real objectives, coordinate with Mike to collect evidence against him and the remaining 'masterminds.' Kelly, too, sides with David versus Steve. The narrative follows David's desperate attempts to escape law enforcement, the hazardous hit man turned ally, and look for justice.

Conclusion
The movie culminates in an amusing turmoil, revealing the genuine offenders to the FBI, led by a trail unintentionally left by Steve and his spendthrift habits. David, at first framed as the only thief, assists the FBI arrest Steve and his gang while likewise gaining his vindication. The film concludes with David and Kelly admitting their genuine feelings for each other.

In general
"Masterminds" exists as a heist comedy filled with humorous twists and turns. The light-hearted film aims to amuse instead of deliver a major crime or action story. The performances from the star-studded ensemble of comical stars, consisting of Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis add to an overall delightfully absurd, comedic experience. The renowned scene, a montage of Steve's transmittable eagle dance, sticks out as one of the highlights of this eccentric comedy flick.

Top Cast

  • Zach Galifianakis (small)
    Zach Galifianakis
    David Ghantt
  • Owen Wilson (small)
    Owen Wilson
    Steve Chambers
  • Kristen Wiig (small)
    Kristen Wiig
    Kelly Campbell
  • Kate McKinnon (small)
    Kate McKinnon
    Jandice
  • Leslie Jones (small)
    Leslie Jones
    Agent Scanlon
  • Jason Sudeikis (small)
    Jason Sudeikis
    Mike McKinney
  • Mary Elizabeth Ellis (small)
    Mary Elizabeth Ellis
    Michelle Chambers
  • Ken Marino (small)
    Ken Marino
    Doug
  • Karsten Friske (small)
    Karsten Friske
    Cort Chambers
  • Dallas Edwards (small)
    Dallas Edwards
    Ken Chambers
  • Devin Ratray (small)
    Devin Ratray
    Runny