Pinching Penny

Pinching Penny is a darkly comedic and edgy crime drama released in 2011, directed by Dan Glaser. Featuring riveting performances by Steven Molony, Timothy J. Meyer and Maddisyn Carter, the movie centers on a misguided British burglar, his manic accomplice, sweet yet disillusioned girlfriend and their sudden descent into the twisted underworld.

The film's main character, Alex, is a failed English expatriate with a predilection for kleptomania. Steven Molony shines through his portrayal of Alex who, despite his criminal encounters, is showcased as a sympathetic character. You see an amalgamation of hope, despair, and confusion on his face, in a life that seems stagnant and stuck in a dangerous cycle.

Alex's partner in crime, Murphy, portrayed by Timothy J. Meyer, is as unpredictable as he is volatile. Murphy is quick-tempered, aggressive and holds a bizarre form of loyalty for Alex. Meyer's performance brilliantly oscillates between ferocious energy and subdue moments of reflection. It is through his character that the movie gains pace and succumbs to chaos.

Maddisyn Carter plays Penny, Alex’s American girlfriend, who is constantly torn between her love for Alex and the reality of their grim lifestyle. She's caught in a seemingly never-ending spiral of theft and deception that's slowly gnawing away at her dreams and ambitions. Her character invokes empathy from the audience as she struggles to hold onto the remnants of her love amidst a life that shows no promise of change.

The story is set against the backdrop of Fargo, North Dakota, where our characters scramble their way through life with their petty criminal activities. The charm of this setting amplifies the dark humor and dangerous turns that are thrown the main character’s way as he deals with mobsters, loan sharks and a skeptical detective.

As the trio stumbles their way through a series of thefts and alarming scenarios set up by the Fargo mob, the movie takes the audience on a comical yet ominous journey. It tugs at our curiosity and fear with a narrative that is as unpredictable as its protagonist's lives.

Apart from its intriguing storyline, Pinching Penny holds its charm in its dialogue. From quick-witted humor to beautifully woven heartfelt lines, it engages the viewers and helps them resonate with the characters' situations.

Beneath the external narrative of crime and chaos, Pinching Penny also delves into the internal struggles of its characters. It subtly explores the themes of loyalty, friendship, and love amidst the irrational world of crime. The film does an excellent job of showcasing the unlikely friendship between Alex and Murphy, their shared antagonisms and fears, and their mutual, albeit twisted, devotion to each other.

Adding more depth to these characters is the soundtrack of the film, ranging from aptly timed rock music, lending energy to the heist scenes, to melancholic melodies underscoring the intense, emotional moments.

What makes Pinching Penny stand out is its distinctive combination of humor, crime hijinks and character-drama. Glaser successfully threads together an unusual storyline with compelling characters, a slick narrative style, and crisp dialogue that arrests your attention from the opening scene to the end credits.

In conclusion, Pinching Penny is an unconventional fusion of comedy, action, and drama, intelligent and bold in its execution. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions packed with dynamic performances. Steven Molony, Timothy J. Meyer and Maddisyn Carter encapsulate the essence of their characters with ease, making each one memorable. This film takes the viewers by surprise with its unique blend of crime, comedy and raw human emotion, leaving them intrigued long after the credits roll. This underrated indie film has undoubtedly left its mark as a quirky, unpredictable, and emotionally charged crime comedy.