How to Rob a Bank

How to Rob a Bank, from 2007, is an audacious, fast-paced, movie directed by Andrews Jenkins and starring Nick Stahl, Erika Christensen, and Gavin Rossdale. The film, with its unique perspective on an old-school crime - bank robbery - straddles the line between thriller and dark comedy. It's a thrilling ride that keeps the audience on their toes from start to finish.

The plot of this movie revolves around Jinx (Nick Stahl), an average guy who somehow gets caught between a rock and a hard place. The rock: an ambitious bank robber called Simon (Gavin Rossdale). The hard place: an unyielding and somewhat myopic Bank Manager. To summarize the crux without delving into spoiler territories, Jinx goes to the bank in an attempt to resolve a fee dispute of $20, and then instead of resolving his problem, he unwillingly embarks on an adventure of literally attempting to decode 'How to Rob a Bank'. Surprisingly this happens due to the fact that he lands up being the ‘middle man’ between entrenched bank robbers and the SWAT team headed by Detective Sergeant DeGepse (Terry Crews).

The movie’s intriguing facet is not only that it pits an average Joe against hardened criminals, but an additional twist that perks the storyline is a woman involved in the mix, Jessica (Erika Christensen). Jessica becomes a tenacious player in this unprecedented game of robbery, engaging the viewer further and leads the narrative to unexpected directions and developments.

The main characters, Jinx and Jessica, are depicted as symbols of the layman, desperately trying to navigate the increasingly complex and demanding realities of the modern banking system and corporate structure. They're characters that the average viewer can relate to, balancing between the familiar frustration of dealing with impenetrable bureaucracy and the whimsical dream of pulling off a grand heist.

A standout in How to Rob a Bank is Gavin Rossdale, who plays the bank robber, Simon. Equipped with a brash charisma and a cold-blooded attitude, he ramps up the stakes for everyone involved. And then Terry Crews portraying the dedicated cop adds another layer of color to the whole ensemble, breathing life into the increasing tension with his characteristic flair.

In terms of style and presentation, the movie employs a contrastive approach to its tonal elements. The tense, high-stakes situation at the heart of the narrative is laced liberally with comic undertones, the dark humor of which not just breaks the tension but also amplifies the inherent absurdity of the situation. With sharp dialogues, the characters exude a quirky sense of humor, lending the movie a lighthearted, yet edgy appeal.

Furthermore, director Jenkins employs several non-linear narrative devices to great effect, including but not limited to flashbacks and quick scene switches which serve as key storytelling tools. These present a scattered but intriguing timeline which helps connect the dots incrementally, keeping the audience guessing till the very end.

As a viewer, one could expect a rollercoaster ride with an unpredictable plot. The acting performances from the cast are commendable, infusing their roles with the right notes of humor, intensity, and desperation when required.

How to Rob a Bank falls squarely in the thrilling yet funny crime caper genre. If you're someone who appreciates the charm of modern-day calamities elaborated with a touch of humor, a complex plot that keeps you at edge with unexpected twists and turns, and genuinely human characters caught in outlandish situations, then this movie would cater to your choices.

With its unconventional premise and skillful blend of humor, action, and social commentary, the 2007 movie How to Rob a Bank is a unique cinematic experience that's well worth your while. Perfect if you're looking for a Saturday night popcorn flick that simultaneously makes you laugh, tense up, and maybe even contemplate a thing or two about the modern world.