Band of Robbers (2015) Reviews

• The modern day Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer treasure hunt re-imagining is loads of good ol' fun

  cinemacy2016-01-21

  Classic characters from perhaps the greatest literary work of American literature, Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer have hit the big screen, in a re-imagining that takes their mischievously- intentioned, hero-of-the-story selves, keeps a driving plot about finding a mythic treasure, and leaves the rest behind – and to good-spirited, well-earned fun in the new film, 'Band of Robbers'. It should be stated early, there's not a whole lot that 'Robbers' truly, truly, lifts from Mark Twain's classic novel or characters other than using the characters' likeliness and winning charms to drop them into this new culture mash-up. It's really just the story of a version of a Huck Finn (Kyle Gallner) and a Tom Sawyer (Adam Nee), where Huck is a recent prison release looking to make clean and Tom is a wily cop whose adventure-seeking ways leads to his character's charming but still law-skirting flirtations, and through this all, they still remain the best of friends, along with a band of other self-affirmed misfit pirate pals. The faces and talents enlisted here are truly where the comedy shines. It has the taste of 21 Jump Street comic-firing and timing of every-line-a-joke (and mostly bulls eye's at that), uses some familiar faces and some not-so, in playing a winning hand. Kyle Gallner as Huck is a Jeremy Renner and Rick Grimes a la The Walking Dead, where Adam Nee is as much as stand- out in a role that he knows so well. The geek-beloved Matthew Gray Gubler as Joe Harper, along with Hannibal Burress as Ben Rogers add a deep bench to the effort, with Burress (and "Greg…Knife" nailing every one of his scenes). Melissa Benoist and Eric Christian Olsen also star as little-used Becky Thatcher, Tom's new partner on the day of the planned heist (mention heist) and Sid Sawyer, beloved detective who plays it maybe a bit too straight. Written and directed by brother filmmaking team Aaron and Adam Nee, 'Robbers' went through many years of development (including an idea of it being a TV show) before finally having its world premiere at the LA Film Festival. One wonders what following that version of Huck, Tom, and company may have been like, and what many adventures they may have spun in and out of in sit-com fashion. But its final format of a ninety-five-minute feature film feels like the best use of its talent, sparing any over-indulgence in what could have flopped as a gimmick and succeeds as a send-up that breathes fresh life into an American classic.

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• Hilarious Adaptation

  alisa_placas2016-01-18

  Attempting to adapt Mark Twain's most beloved characters into a modern day story seems like an audacious and terrible idea. But, surprisingly, the indie film "Band of Robbers" manages to pull it off. It has completely captured the essence of the character Tom Sawyer with all of his unrelenting energy, immaturity and imagination. True to form, this 'adult' version of Tom continues to travel through some fantastical version of life, with his every action propelled by a thirst for adventure and glory. In less talented hands Tom might have come off as obnoxious or unrealistic, but Adam Nee is so charming as Tom that he makes you WANT to believe that a person like this can exist. If you have never read Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer" or "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," you will have no problem jumping in and enjoying this quirky and fun-loving caper. But if you have read the books, you will be all that much more impressed with what writers and directors Aaron and Adam Nee have achieved.

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• Aesthetically appealing, unpredictable, and genuinely funny

  micah-p-knowles2016-01-23

  I had seen the trailer several months before and patiently waited for its limited theater release. I was not disappointed. The music and visuals make an excellent first impression; the first and last shots of the film are stunning. Once the plot developed, I began to appreciate the subtle humor and eccentric style. The actors are phenomenal and clearly care about their contribution to the film. An unpredictable story simply adds to the joy of it all. I do not believe there is anything I dislike about this film. It is clear this movie's low ratings are given by people who do not enjoy modern adaptations of classic literature, nor understand or appreciate the unique, eccentric style it embodies. This is completely understandable. Regardless, 10/10.

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• An adventure for the young at heart!

  mel_nicole2016-01-21

  Hilarious. Heart felt. Exciting! I love this film because it is not like anything I've watched before! But also the way it is able to make you feel like you are part of the "band". It is a must see in my opinion. Just hilarious, very witty, thrilling! Great directing and great cast! Keeps you on the end of your seat throughout the whole movie! Also has great one liners that will stick with you. I cannot stop raving about this film! It has unexpected twists and turns! I love it love it love it! You can relate to the characters and makes it feel timeless. I cannot wait till it is on DVD to watch it again! I feel like I am just going on about this but if you get the chance to watch it please do! It is original and a gem just like the treasure they are on the hunt for.

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• quirky, humorous, entertaining, slightly politically incorrect = gem

  reneeob2016-01-21

  i saw it at MoA afternoon matinée wed the 20th. perfect setting for an enoyable day this movie was made with passion and tlc--clearly observable. love to feed the indy movie scene? no put intended. go see Band of Robbers. delightful spin on the old huck fin / tom sawyer story. two seasoned leads did a fantastic job: kyle gallner and adam nee (who was actually in an episode of SatC) who was also co writer and co director. i'm not usually a big fan of silly movies but i don't pass up mgg. ever. though his role was supporting, his character was hilarious and it was fun to see him play the opposite of reid. plus the short joggers and tank tops are not to miss. BaR was super cute and entertaining quite a few funny laugh out loud moments. if you need a light airy movie on a cold winter's too hot summer's day, i indeed recommend.

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