Rent Life of Crime (2014)

Life of Crime review by Michelle Sommerville - Cinema Paradiso

Based on the 1978 novel The Switch by Elmore Leonard, comes Life of Crime. It is an American crime comedy that was released in 2013 and stars known names like Jennifer Aniston, Isla Fisher, Tim Robbins, and Yasiin Bey (also known as Mos Def).

Imagine the scenario: Your husband goes away on a trip, leaving you alone in your mansion. Things haven’t been the best between you. One day, a group of men wearing ridiculous masks break in and take you hostage, calling your husband and demanding $1million ransom. Sounds bad, but it gets worse. Your husband has been cheating on you, has already filed for divorce, and has no intention of paying your ransom. This is Life of Crime, and you have to watch it to see how it all ends.

Everyone knows Jennifer Aniston from her long-running role in Friends and from her tumultuous relationship with Brad Pitt. I really liked her in this film - unlike in Horrible Bosses - and I think she made the character a mix of likeable and unlikable. Of course I have seen Isla Fisher and Tim Robbins in films before, but I was able to forget their previous roles and see them purely as these crazy characters.

While it is not the most original story (we have also seen a very similar story in the 1986 film Ruthless People), it was done quite well. Leonard has had his novels turned into films such as 3:10 To Yuma and Get Shorty, and it is clear he has a good grasp on what entertains people. There are characters that entice you to change your allegiance throughout the film, and twists you may see coming, but it is a good example of someone who has a good knowledge of story structure. The beginning is a bit of a slow-starter, however once you get into it, you aren’t focusing on the time.

The script was also smart, and the dialogue was witty; excellently portrayed by the cast.

In terms of the cinematography, costumes, sets, etc., I don’t have any complaints. The crew did a fantastic job of recreating the era, which is made all the more impressive considering the primary filming process lasted a mere 26 days.

Life of Crime has received fairly positive critic reviews, but audiences haven’t been as kind. For those that are fans of the previous adaptations of Leonard’s novels, they have commented that it falls short, but still contains his unique flare.

It is definitely not a film that makes an important comment on society or proposes a way to help fix the world, but it is light-hearted and fun.

Due to its theme and contents, it is not suitable for children, but would be fine for most audiences. It doesn’t stretch out too long - the usual hour-and-a-half - so you don’t get bored with the characters and crazy storyline. Well worth four stars.