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Masterminds

also known as “Loomis Fargo,” “De-mentes criminales,” “Genijalni umovi,” “Gênios do Crime,” “Locos de mentes,” See more »
MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) for crude and sexual humor, some language and violence.
Moral Rating: not reviewed
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Adults
Genre: Action Crime Comedy
Length: 1 hr. 34 min.
Year of Release: 2016
USA Release: September 30, 2016 (wide—3,042 theaters)
DVD: January 31, 2017
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Relevant Issues

What does the Bible say about… stealing?

robbery

money

How do I know what is right from wrong? Answer

sin

Are we living in a moral Stone Age? Answer

Copyright, Relativity Media Copyright, Relativity Media Copyright, Relativity Media
Featuring Owen WilsonSteve
Kristen WiigKelly
Jason SudeikisMike McKinney
Zach GalifianakisDavid Ghantt
Ken Marino … Doug
Kate McKinnonJandice
Mary Elizabeth Ellis … Michelle
Leslie Jones … Detective
See all »
Director Jared Hess — “Napoleon Dynamite” (2004), “Nacho Libre” (2006)
Producer Michaels-Goldwyn
Relativity Media
Distributor Relativity Media

Here’s what the distributor says about their film: “Based on the true story of four dim-witted Southerners who pulled off one of the biggest heists in American history, robbing $17 million from a Loomis Fargo armored truck.

In this action comedy based on true events, directed by Jared Hess (‘Napoleon Dynamite,’ ‘Nacho Libre’), David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) discovers the true meaning of adventure far beyond his wildest dreams. He is an uncomplicated man stuck in a monotonous life. Day in and day out he drives an armored vehicle, transporting millions of other people's money with no escape in sight. The only glimmer of excitement is his flirtatious work crush Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig) who soon lures him into the scheme of a lifetime.

Along with a group of half-brained criminals led by Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson) and an absurdly faulted heist plan, David manages the impossible and makes off with $17 million in cash… only problem is he foolishly hands the money over to this wild group of double crossers and has been set up to take the fall. With the bandits blowing the millions on lavish and ridiculous luxuries, they leave behind a glaring trail of evidence. Now on the lam and in over his head, David must dodge the authorities, evade a hilarious hit man, Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis), and try to turn the tables on the ones he trusted most.”

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See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive
Positive—Overall, a funny movie, based on a true story (loosely). Very little cussing or objectionable language, just a stupid romp with some pretty hilarious parts. By today’s standards and given the players, it is a pretty tame, yet hilarious movie. Did have one segment about how he looked like Jesus.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3
Dennis, age 63 (USA)

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Movie Critics
…Zach Galifianakis succeeds in making an already ridiculous crime even funnier… Now if only the masterminds in Relativity’s marketing department could figure out a way to let potential audiences know how amusing this under-the-radar release really is.
Peter Debruge, Variety
…an average movie with exceptional comic acting…
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
…“Masterminds” takes gratuitous liberties with the true story… but it’s still entertaining… for those who like their deadpan with a healthy side of slapstick. [2½/4]
Andrew Parker, The Globe and Mail (Canada)
There’s a certain subset of the population that may find Zach Galifianakis in a ridiculous hairdo the height of comedy. If you are in that segment, welcome, join us. You’ll find much merriment in the lightweight and very silly comedy “Masterminds” …a small, very strange film…
Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service
…Dumb criminals and their bad ’90s taste are the objects of affectionate ridicule… Less than masterful, but you’ll laugh. …
Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter
…The results are mixed… ies the TV-sketch-show-surreal-farce approach to a based-on-true-events caper picture…
Jared Hess, The New York Times
…for the most part, a pleasantly inoffensive 100-minute time-waster—no more, and rarely any less. …[2/5]
Marc Savlov, The Austin Chronicle
…By PG-13 standards, “Masterminds” doesn't push the envelope to the edge in terms of sexual content, violence or profanity. But, man, the film’s underlying, conscience-free ethos is just sad. … [1½/5]
Paul Asay, Plugged In
…“Masterminds” is mildly, meanly funny… I cracked up here and there watching this broad heist comedy, but it wasn’t laughter I felt great about. …[2/4]
Sara Stewart, New York Post
…a tortuously dull theft of time… When I got up this morning I didn’t think I’d go to bed with a vision of Zach Galifianakis sharting in a swimming pool. There’s nothing in my medicine cabinet or on my liquor shelf that can help me right now. …[1/5]
Jordan Hoffman, The Guardian (UK)