MOVIE REVIEW
also known as “The Good Criminal,” “Venganza Implacable,” “Pre balík prachov,” “Segunda Chance,” “Becsületes tolvaj,” “Phi Vụ Hoàn Lương,” “Saziningas vagisius,” “Um Último Golpe,” “Un honnête voleur,” “Voleur honnête,” “Честен крадец,” “Честный вор”
MPA Rating:
for strong violence, crude references and brief strong language.
Reviewed by: Peter E. Schultz
CONTRIBUTOR
Moral Rating: | Offensive to Better than Average |
Moviemaking Quality: | |
Primary Audience: | • Adults • Young-Adults |
Genre: | Action Crime Thriller |
Length: | 1 hr. 39 min. |
Year of Release: | 2020 |
USA Release: | October 16, 2020 (wide release) DVD: December 29, 2020 |
Relevant Issues
Bank robber who has stolen millions of dollars in multiple states
About ROBBERY in the Bible
Stealing vehicles / What does Scripture say about STEALING? Answer
Repentance for one’s sins
Criminals who give up their life of crime and turn themselves in to face justice
Second chances and redemption
Corrupt FBI agents or any law enforcement people who do criminals things
Good law enforcement people that fight crime, even if it involves their peers
CEOs who embezzle pension money
About the fall of mankind to worldwide depravity
What is SIN AND WICKEDNESS? Answer
About LYING
The benefits of living an honest, upstanding life
What are goodness and righteousness?
Good works
What is JUSTICE? What does the Bible say about it? Answer
Justice of God
Are you good enough to get to Heaven? Answer
How good is good enough? Answer
TRUE LOVE—What is true love and how do you know when you have found it? Answer
What is LOVE, for a follower of Christ? Answer
Featuring | Liam Neeson … Tom Carter, an aging thief known as the “In-and-Out Bandit” Kate Walsh … Annie Sumpter, Tom’s love interest Jeffrey Donovan … Agent Tom Meyers Jai Courtney … Agent John Nivens Anthony Ramos … Agent Ramon Hall—John’s partner Robert Patrick … Agent Sam Baker See all» |
Director | Mark Williams |
Producer | Argonaut Entertainment Partners Briarcliff Entertainment See all» |
Distributor | Open Road Films |
“Never steal a man’s second chance”
If you’re looking for a movie with an adrenaline kick that leaves you with aching fingers and cramped quadriceps, one that drips with surreal special effects, well, this isn’t the one.
If you yearn for a drama diving so deeply into the core of romance even the most hardened viewer is left fighting back tears, well, “Honest Thief” doesn’t match up there either.
BUT, I found it to be overdue refreshment on several fronts, certainly a healthy departure from average films.
Liam Neeson plays the In-and-Out-Bandit (Tom Carter) who tries to make a deal with the law: returning stolen money in exchange for his freedom to enjoy a future with the woman he loves. Unethical FBI agents spoil his plans considerably.
Seasoned actors fill the cast, perhaps challenged only by the performance of one agent’s irresistible pet. Their pace is moderate and steady, allowing excellent character development. Elements of the New England setting are genuine. Car chases and gunplay are realistic. Above all, the leading character does not endure six or more fatal injuries, still bouncing back for more action. Finally, the musical score is supportive without being oppressive.
There are several special messages in “Honest Thief”:
- Wrongdoing can easily spiral out of control.
- Continued wrongdoing has a high cost.
- True repentance might not be easy.
- Self-control can dominate selfishness.
- Genuinely faithful love is priceless.
Jesus’ counsel about human behavior was always uncomplicated, as on one occasion when he stated,
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” —Luke 17:3
The heart of this truth is characterized in the film.
“Honest Thief” is a happy balance of excitement and sentiment, delivered with class. Among other things, it reveals how, without solid integrity, simple goodness can be challenged and muddled. Conversely, it shows how, with strong integrity, simple goodness is immutable.
This matinée was our first in-theater, COVID-compliant movie since forever. My wife and I were two of only ten people in the entire audience, so selecting prime seats was easy. And, mandatory social distancing saved us from the noise of aggressive popcorn consumption going on nearby.
Overall, it was a nice experience. We need more big-screen products with this quality of messaging.
- Violence: Heavy— •Multiple shootings and gun battles •Fall from height •Hand to hand fights and punches •Stabbing •Car crashes •Man struck repeatedly with baseball bat •House explosion
- Vulgar/Crude language: Heavy— •“f***ing” (1) •“friggin” (1) •s-words (5) •“cr*p” (3) •a**hole (2) •pr*ck •“j*nk” (referring to genitals) •“snipping your b*lls off” (1) •“son of a b*tch” (2)
- Profane language: Moderately Heavy— •“J*sus, G*d” (said in shock at finding a severely injured woman) (1) •“Holy cr*p” •“h*ll” (3)
- Sex: •Brief kisses •Hug •Man attempts to convince woman to move in with him •Joke about losing virginity •Brief question related to potential vasectomy
- Drugs/Alcohol: •Brief scene of woman drinking wine •Man takes painkilling pills due to wounding •No smoking
- Nudity: None
- Occult: None
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.