Masterminds

Masterminds is an eccentric 2016 comedy film directed by Jared Hess, whose work in 'Napoleon Dynamite' marked him as a unique voice in offbeat comedy. Starring Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, and Kristen Wiig, the film is based on the remarkable true story of the infamous Loomis Fargo robbery - one of the largest cash heists ever committed on American soil - in the late 90s. But while this might sound like the basis for an intense action thriller, Masterminds flips the script, presenting these escapades as a screwball comedy of errors.

The story revolves around David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis), a simple, good-natured guy stuck in the monotony of driving an armored vehicle day in day out. But things take an unexpected turn when David gets involved with his work crush, Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig), and gets roped into a daring scheme hatched by Kelly and her acquaintance, Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson).

Under the lure of adventure and the promise of a better life, David agrees to the heist, initiated by Steve's master plan, becoming an unknowing pawn in a caper riddled with amusing mishaps and unexpected consequences. What makes the plot even more captivating is David's staggering naïveté, showcased brilliantly by Galifianakis, who delivers a distinctive performance of wit and charm despite his character's apparent simplicity.

In many ways, Masterminds mirrors some of the oddball comedy dynamics that were prevalent in Hess' previous films, but with more mainstream comedy names in the mix, the film's humor escalates into a larger scale of hilarity. The movie demonstrates a brand of comedy that's heavily reliant on extravagant character work and situational humor, delivering a steady stream of laughter as the situation spirals hilariously out of control.

The film thrives on the chemistry between its star actors. Galifianakis is at his best as the earnest, clueless David, bringing a lovable likability to his gullible character. Wiig is delightful as the jaded femme fatale, masterfully handling both the comedic and quasi-romantic elements of her role. Owen Wilson, who plays the self-styled "criminal mastermind" Steve, is a joy to watch as he navigates through his unusual set of dilemmas, exuding ample charm and wit throughout his performance. Together, they fill the screen with an infectious, energetic vibe that heightens the joyous absurdity of the plot.

Aside from the leading trio, Masterminds boasts an impressive ensemble of actors including Jason Sudeikis, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. Sudeikis challenges his typical roles by playing a quirky hitman, simultaneously threatening and laughable, while McKinnon is a standout as David's eccentric, offbeat fiancée. Leslie Jones brings her brand of unfiltered humor as an FBI agent determined to crack the case.

Visually, the film is compelling, with Jared Hess utilizing an array of stylized shots and vibrant color palettes to reflect the escalating chaos. Cinematographer Erik Wilson uses creative shots to magnify the bizarre twists and turns of the storyline, while the 90's period setting lets the production design go all out with splashy designs and flashy costumes. The film's soundtrack further amplifies its quirky nature with a mix of offbeat song choices.

Masterminds, despite its heist center, does not contain any high-stakes action sequences but instead thrives on its comedic set-pieces. This inventive story-telling and the execution of comedic situations are done in a manner that instills a sense of playfulness and riotous fun.

The film showcases Jared Hess’ unique brand of comedy, blending ridiculous situations with likable characters that the audience can root for, despite their misguided adventures. The ensemble cast's performances - coupled with the movie's breathtaking absurdity, make it a must-watch for fans of quirky comedies.

In the end, Masterminds is a funny, warm-hearted film, that stands as a testament to its strong, hilarious performances and its commitment to light-hearted, absurdist humor. The film blends situational and character-driven humor, offering a hilarious perspective on a true story that could have easily been spun into a darker, more intense narrative. It is a wild, zany ride that manages to instill a sense of high-spirited fun throughout its madcap heist antics.