Bank Roll (2013/Cinema Epoch DVD)

Picture: C Sound: C- Extras: A Main Program: B+

Benny Big Time's brother has just been arrested on the account of a few 'jobs', bank robberies and the evidence is a bit overwhelming, but all Benny has to do is prove there is 'reasonable doubt', that there is a lookalike out there, so Benny and five of his friends must pull off a 'red herring' bank heist that will throw his cops off his brother.

In Doug Maguire's Bank Roll (2013), Benny must also save his brother from the big time with only 4 days and 6 people. Along with his best friend, a getaway driver, surveillance man, a makeup artist and an actor for alibi, they plan to rob a minor bank with minimal security. The plan is solid, but first they must gather intelligence on everyone at the bank. As they get ready, they have various small talk about various future plans, improvisation to the job, sports, and sexual orientation. Everything seems in place until they find a mole in their midst.

This film is about a bank heist, but it is everything but that heist, or at least up until the bank job. It is no Ocean's Eleven (original or remakes) but more like a bunch of everyday guys/friends talking shop. You soon become more intrigue with small talk (via its comedy in part) than the story itself, it was original and entertaining. The only thing was it looked to be independently filmed, and none of it was done on a set or stage, but unfortunately, the anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image (shot with Sony HD camera(s)) and lossy Dolby Digital sound are very weak instead of raw and realistic.

I enjoyed it for what it was, but you might have some disappointment in its presentation. Extras include director, producer, and cast commentary, deleted scenes, a still gallery, and a blooper reel.

- Ricky Chiang