Quick Change

Quick Change, a 1990 comedy caper, is an off-beat crime film based on Jay Cronley's 1981 novel of the same name. Starring Bill Murray, Geena Davis, and Randy Quaid, this quirky movie, directed by Howard Franklin and Bill Murray himself, offers a fun, if slightly chaos-laden adventure that highlights some of the juxtapositions and idiosyncrasies of city life. The film boasts a rich, laugh-out-loud narrative that manages to be funny, smart, and ultimately humane altogether.

Bill Murray is Grim, the mastermind of an ingenious bank heist in Manhattan, who, despite his criminal activities, is an entirely approachable and likeable character. A disgruntled city planner, Grim teams up with his lover Phyllis, portrayed by Geena Davis, and his slightly dimwitted but loyal friend Loomis, played by Randy Quaid. Their aim, a high-risk plan involving disguises and pendulum-swinging theatrics, is to swindle a million dollars and then escape the concrete jungle of New York.

Murray, in his dual role as both actor and director, manages to balance his character Grim's ennui and ambition into a winning charm. His deadpan cynicism towards the city's challenges offers a perfect comedic foil to the tension-building plot. Geena Davis provides a strong and capable counterpoint as Phyllis, the compassionate school teacher dreaming of greener pastures. Davis's performance brings a warmth and grounding that complements Murray's sardonic wit impeccably. Meanwhile, Randy Quaid delivers aptly to the role of Loomis, his lovable goofiness adding texture to the troupe as they navigate the roller coaster of their daring plan.

However, the story truly kicks into gear when our unlikely trio, hoping for a swift exit post-heist, find themselves stuck in the eccentricities and unpredictability of New York City. Their seemingly simple plan to reach the airport turns into an inadvertent tour of the city's most obscure and unlikely locations filled with colourful inhabitants. From no-nonsense bus drivers, overly chatty cab drivers who can't understand English, to troubled bike-riding jousting enthusiasts, the charm of Quick Change lies in these unexpected but wonderfully quaint encounters.

What sets Quick Change apart from other run-of-the-mill heist movies is its sharp and warm script. It reveals the haphazard, always-in-flux nature of big city life while underlining the universal human dream of finding some peace, some little plot of greenery away from the clang and clatter. In this sense, it's as much a social commentary on New York's urban grit as it is a classic crime caper.

One must also mention the supporting cast, which includes the late, great Jason Robards as a grizzled and world-weary police chief hot on the heels of our dubious heroes. Robards brings a credibility to the character, whose dogged pursuit contrasts with Grim's desire for escape. Complementing the film's satirical undertones, his character's determination mirrors the city's relentless speed – unyielding, tireless, and a touch absurd – reflecting how New York, simultaneously a seducer and a bully, can be.

Quick Change really stands as a tribute to New York in all its maddening glory. It showcases the city's chaos, its unique neighborhoods, and its fierce energy, capturing the love-hate relationship one can have with one of the world's greatest cities.

In summary, Quick Change, while capitalizing on the classic heist trope, injects humor, warmth, and relatability, creating a film where the city of New York becomes as much a character as the films protagonists. It's a story that is at once hilariously anecdotal and touching, filled with numerous visual gags and memorable one-liners. The chemistry among the lead cast, coupled with standout performances from a robust supporting cast, creates an engaging, humorous journey that could have otherwise been yet another forgettable crime caper. Not often on the 'must-watch' lists, it is, nonetheless, a hidden gem when it comes to comedy cinema from the early nineties.