Flypaper (2011)

I've been disappointed with most movies I've seen recently. Nothing really captured my imagination or made me laugh--or think for that matter. I came across Flypaper by random chance, and its restored my faith in movies.

I don't want to spoil this movies many plot twists (some of which you saw coming) but the basic plot is as follow: Two opposing bank robber teams by chance rob the same bank at the same time. One team is pro with high tech gadgets, the other is a redneck duo that make you wonder if they should be in a mental institution. Instead of it being a quick smash and grab though, the bank is locked down until the next morning. In the meantime, both teams try getting into the vault/atms/getting money--but then things go terribly wrong. One by one, people die.

I realize that made it sound like it's a horror movie--its not. It's a quite above average darkish (it's neither fully black or light) comedy "whodunnit" with intricate plot twists and a unique main character. Imagine Agatha Christie's "And Then There Was None" mixed with "Inside Man" with a sprinkle of ADD.

I was absolutely shocked to go to rotten tomatoes and see this movie's very low reviews. The big criticisms were a lack of chemistry between the cast (which I completely disagree with) and an unfunny script. Honestly, I think it just comes down to what you think is funny. If your idea of funny is say "Knocked Up", this is not the movie for you. However, if "Wild Target" made you almost cry with laughter (yes, I am speaking about myself), then I would highly recommend this movie.

"Are you seriously suggesting that we rob the same bank?" While talking to a teller (Judd) about change (Dempsey) a bank robbery begins to take place. When signals get mixed Tripp realizes that there are two groups of robbers. After explaining to them they can rob the same bank right now he tries to figure out why two groups are there and who tipped them off. This is a very surprising movie. Full of action and very funny. The cast is great and for a little movie it pulls in some really big names. This is the most fun I've had watching a movie in a while and while it's not an amazing Oscar worthy movie it is very much worth watching. An updated action version of "Clue". Equal parts action, comedy & mystery with a great twist at the end. I recommend this highly. Overall, a very very exciting and fun way to spend an hour and a half. I give it a B+.

Would I watch again? I think I would.

*Also try Clue & Henry's Crime

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With its convoluted plot, manic energy, and slapstick shenanigans--the lightweight, but enjoyable, "Flypaper" plays like the equivalent of an elaborately staged murder mystery dinner. You're not really meant, however, to follow the clues to their logical conclusions or be able to deduce the central conundrum. No, it's best to just let the silliness unfold on and around itself. To thoroughly enjoy the comic mayhem, one has to let go of reason and go with the flow of the sitcom stylings. Most, I think, will be willing to do so as "Flypaper" certainly stacks the deck with an astute cast of notable performers--all gamely hamming it up to maximum affect. Patrick Dempsey and Ashley Judd headline this piece, but the impressive supporting roster includes Tim Blake Nelson, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Jeffrey Tambor, Rob Huebel (always a welcome presence), Octavia Spencer (ditto), Mekhi Phifer, and Curtis Armstrong. No one gets much actual characterization, really, more than a cursory quirk or two--most just exist to play a possible suspect in the overly-plotted comic thriller.

As "Flypaper" opens, we get a brief introduction to the varied members on staff at the quaintest little bank you're likely to encounter. Judd is a teller and Dempsey is a jumble of tics as a socially awkward customer, who happens to be a savant of sorts. Before you know it, the bank is raided by two distinct groups of bandits--one tech savvy (Phifer, John Ventimiglia, and a great Matt Ryan) and one bumbling idiots (Blake Nelson and Taylor Vince, no surprise there!). As everyone gets trapped in a lockdown (don't worry, police intervention is conveniently absent from the consideration), Dempsey starts to piece together that a more elaborate scenario is in play and the conflicting robberies are just part of something more nefarious. Before the night is out, there will be many secrets uncovered. As everyone scrambles around the bank in full slapstick mode, there is plenty of silly fun. But beware, there is also a surprising body count as we come closer and closer to the truth.

A movie like "Flypaper" certainly isn't meant to be taken seriously. It's a simple bit of fun. There is not much subtlety to be found. If you like over-the-top acting and outrageousness, this might be a fitfully diverting entertainment. If you are less keen on slapstick comedy, this might not be your first pick. I did enjoy "Flypaper," largely because of the talented and appealing cast. But I think the murder mystery theater comparison is apt. Lightweight and amusing, it's not necessarily something that will linger in your mind beyond watching it once. However, for something so frothy, there is a fair bit of strong language and an unexpected amount of violence. If you are more sensitive to these elements, you might take note. Part comedy, part mystery--this heist picture is an engaging and amusing romp. KGHarris, 11/11.

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A very large bank has the unlikely event of being robbed by two different gangs at the same time. One group is dressed as a swat team while a second gang appears to have been on "Deliverance." Patrick Dempsey stars as Tripp, a customer who is fascinated by bank teller Katlin (Ashley Judd) and attempts to keep her out of harm's way. Katlin is supposed to get married in 2 days to a rich man.

After shots are fired, Tripp (who is off his medication) acts as a mediator between the two gangs to work out a compromise. There are things about this robbery that don't add up in Tripp's mind and he wants to know why. Tripp has a mental condition which aids him to figure things out. He plays "Clue" as things turn into "10 Little Indians." The robbers are a good quirky bunch as are the hostages. Excellent use of characters. Funny. Fast paced. Kudos to Rob Minkoff.

F-bomb. No sex or nudity.

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I didn't bother to seek out critiques of Flypaper . . . it's obvious that something didn't gel in the kingdom of film critics. And I'm glad that I didn't let that stop me in this case. The plot sounded like it had potential, and I took a chance . . .

Flypaper is a refreshing bit of nonsense, cleverly directed and acted, with a little more violence than necessary (ask Hitch), but certainly not in-your-face like so much video now. It's not that far removed from a Coen Brothers piece, and while not as deep (a word questionably applicable to any of this genre) as "Burn After Reading," or maybe "Raising Arizona," it will probably find the same crowd. And there's some fun in being able to individually discover something that wasn't already hyped to death.

Is there enough substance to create a cult classic here? I'm not sure, but there's more here than met the critic's eye. It's not easy to take the terminal dumbness of Peanut Butter and Jelly, and make it work. I kept expecting it to slide into a groaner as the movie progressed, but the giggles kept coming. Patrick Dempsey is hysterical and convincing as an ADHD victim without his meds, and Ashley Judd still has the spark. The supporting cast was spot on, but the direction made it all work. It's a fast-paced show that depends largely on timing and dialogue to work, and apparently, many of us think that it does. These characters don't need any more depth for this type of project.

Fun to speculate how the Coen Brothers might have handled this one. "Burn After Reading" still hangs at 3 stars . . . people either get it or they don't. It's one of my all-time favorites.

Flypaper is an escapist flick that should deliver 87 minutes of fun if you're in the mood. It'll never win an award, but I give it 4 stars for its comparison in the genre. They didn't get enough credit for this one. A good example of the need to make up your own mind . . .

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