After escaping a Michigan prison, a charming career criminal assumes a new identity in Canada and goes on to rob a record 59 banks and jewellery stores while being hunted by a police task force. Based on the story of The Flying Bandit.
Pam says:
Once again, truth proves to be stranger than fiction as Josh Duhamel takes on the lead role of Gilbert Galvan aka Robert Whiteman, a notorious Canadian bank robber in the 1980’s. His lust for life — and eventually love — endears him to all who meet him, even the bank tellers or victims held at gunpoint. Duhamel is perfectly cast as the criminal as he charms his way through life and ultimately us, the viewer.
Staying one step ahead of the law and mixing himself up with crime leaders the likes of Tommy (Mel Gibson) and his crew, Whiteman/Galvan uses his other abilities such as observation, deduction, and disguises to hit his targets. But when he falls in love, the goals change slightly, but Officer Snydes (Nestor Carbonell) is always on his heels.
This is a light and comedic story that superficially glosses over the key details, year by year until Galvan’s story concludes. Never does it take itself seriously which, for the most part, keeps the story moving along. Elisah Cuthbert portrays Galvan’s love interest which grounds the story as she innocently and incredulously basks in the proceeds of her lover’s crimes.
To keep this story light, Director Allan Ungar allows Duhamel’s character to break the fourth wall, letting us in on his antics and thought processes. It’s a tactic that works as we root for the bad guy to win. Based on the novel by Robert Knuckle, Kraig Wenman adapts the story to entertain us every step of the way. While the running time is a bit long — and I think some editing would have helped — this is a true story that requires all of the details.
While Duhamel is having a blast as Galvan, Mel Gibson plays the fatherly crime boss comfortably. Never flinching and never giving us too much, Gibson seems right at home in this role.
“Bandit” is pure escapism, but understanding that it’s a true story gives the entire movie just that much more credibility.
3 Stars
