Fort Worth – David Leitch, a former stunt performer turned filmmaker, brings his trademark kinetic style to the new heist thriller How to Rob a Bank. The movie follows a group of Gen‑Z thieves who livestream their robberies, wearing animal masks to conceal their identities, while a seasoned FBI agent (John C. Reilly) teams up with a brilliant but troubled hacker (Zoë Kravitz) to bring them down.
Stunt‑Driven Direction
Leitch’s background in stunt work is evident throughout the film. The action sequences are fast‑paced and meticulously choreographed, echoing the energy of his earlier titles such as The Fall Guy and Bullet Train. The director’s push for a new Academy Award category – Best Achievement in Stunt Design – slated for 2028, underscores his commitment to giving stunt professionals the recognition they deserve.
Cast and Characters
John C. Reilly, best known for his comedic roles in Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, delivers a surprisingly restrained performance as FBI Agent John West. He portrays a disciplined, by‑the‑book investigator determined to stop the “Who’s Hungry” gang.
Zoë Kravitz plays Reagan Gardner, a tech‑savvy former hacker placed under house arrest for creating a tracking program that was misused in a violent incident. Her character provides both comic relief and crucial expertise, echoing the dynamic of Gary Busey’s character in the 1991 classic Point Break.
Nicholas Hoult leads the robber crew as Ryan, also known as “The Wolf.” He is joined by Anna Sawai’s Emi, Pete Davidson’s Vince (nicknamed “The Bear”), and Rhenzy Feliz’s Hugo (“The Rabbit”). The ensemble’s chemistry varies, with Davidson’s portrayal of a war‑veteran suffering from PTSD standing out as a highlight.
Plot and Themes
The gang has executed 15 robberies in the Pittsburgh area over three months, adhering to a strict two‑minute rule to avoid leaving DNA evidence. They also employ bogus 911 bomb threats to distract law enforcement. Their motivations range from financial desperation to personal tragedy, including the death of a young son from cancer, though the latter storyline struggles to resonate emotionally.
The film draws clear parallels to Point Break, with the FBI agent’s admiration for the original movie woven into the dialogue. It also nods to Kathryn Bigelow’s Strange Days, using a chaotic chase scene to comment on societal greed and the power of digital audiences.
Production Values
Visually, the movie embraces a TikTok‑inspired aesthetic—rapid cuts, flashy graphics, and a soundtrack that mixes Radiohead, Billie Eilish, Run The Jewels, and Jane’s Addiction. While the style may feel overwhelming to older viewers, it effectively captures the frenetic energy of the digital age.
Final Assessment
Overall, How to Rob a Bank offers solid performances and exhilarating action. Fans of high‑speed heist movies will appreciate the stunt work and modern tech angle, even if the emotional depth occasionally falls short. The film earns three out of five stars and is now playing in theaters nationwide.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
