“King of Thieves” is a heist film starring a grey-haired band of British theatrical aristocracy, guys who have portrayed a variety of crooks and swindlers in their earlier days. M. Caine, who has played some of the greatest cunning and vicious villains in movie history, leads the group.
Gritty thespians like R. Winstone, who played Gal in “Sexy Beast,” and M. Gambon, who played the robber in “The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover,” are on his side. J. Broadbent also appears, and although being cast beyond character, his playing history includes parts such as “Boss” Tweed in “Gangs of New York” and similar unscrupulous characters.
What Is the Best Way to View King of Thieves?
You can stream King of Thieves on Amazon Prime and Netflix anytime today. You can rent or buy King of Thieves on iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Instant Video to watch it online.
Cast And Performances
“King of Thieves” should’ve been a homerun for anyone filmmaker with this ensemble and story. But J. Marsh (“The Theory of Everything”) can’t vote to make “Going in Style,” a light comedy caper, or “Mona Lisa,” a serious, horrific criminal thriller. Even a veteran of both disciplines like Caine can’t keep up with Joe Penhall’s poor show’s constantly changing mood. As a result, the audience is left perplexed and eventually uninterested. When one of the characters makes a joke about Alec Guinness’ famous Ealing farce “The Lavender Hill Mob,” the connection hurts the picture.
We cited “Going in Style” because these movies are about boisterous elderly guys who try to dodge the Grim Reaper by committing robberies. However, both incarnations of that movie loaded the game in their favor by creating circumstances that force their protagonists’ choices. Boredom appears to be the driving force behind this concept. B. Reader (Caine) reminisces with his wife (Francesca Annis) soon before her untimely demise in “King of Thieves.” At the burial, his henchmen start reminiscing about earlier wins, making Reader want for a thrilling scoring.
Should You Stream It Or Skip It?
Penhall drew his story on Mark Seal’s fascinating and instructive Vanity Fair piece. Rather than viewing this video for over two hours, I strongly advise you to read the source text. “King of Thieves” is a letdown, lacking both tension and a distinct character. Even the rare pleasure of watching these talented performers riff with others isn’t enough to redeem it.
Our Final Verdict
These witty old men communicate in crude barbs and folk etymology, and it’s entertaining to hear them for a while. Joe Penhall’s screenplay is peppered with humor about leg tincture, disability allowance, and insulin shots, while figures named Frankie the Fence and Billy the Fish bob and swirl in the show’s borders.
This will go off as smoothly as a hot beer in an East End pub if you’re in the proper mindset; alternatively, you’ll detect the sloppy plotline and slow tempo. The filmmaker, J. Marsh, strives to infuse energy that no one is experiencing by relying too much on bursts of on-the-nose antique pop songs from the prefers of Tom Petty and the Beatles.
