Two common criminals get more than they bargained for after kidnapping the wife of a corrupt real-estate developer who shows no interest in paying the $1 million dollar ransom for her safe return.
The twists lean towards the glib, but any time in Leonard’s world is rarely time wasted – especially now he’s no longer around to share it with us.
Missing the punchy plotting of the Coens thriller it resembles, the early chuckles don't quite translate into a satisfying whole.
Life of Crime is strong on character and swagger, but hampered by a frustratingly slight plot and a general lack of suspense.
Daniel Schechter ain't no Tarantino. He ain't even no Barry Sonnenfeld.
This is a good-natured, show-not-tell treat, almost bloodless fun.
A darkly amusing tale begins promisingly but runs out of wit and energy long before the closing credits.
The humour here is dry and very understated.
The book was better.
Though the film lacks the cinematic flair Tarantino brought to Leonard’s work, writer/director Daniel Schechter does a good job of translating the crackle and snap of Leonard’s dialogue to the big screen – and he gives the movie a faded glamour that perfectly suits his cast.
Cameo, Edinburgh from Friday September 5, 2014, until Thursday September 11, 2014. More info: http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/