Life of Crime

In the crime comedy film "Life of Crime," based on the novel "The Switch" by Elmore Leonard, a peculiar turn of events unfolds when two seasoned crooks, Louis Gara and Mickey Dawson, attempt to kidnap the wife of a ruthless real-estate developer, Frank Dawson. The movie introduces us to Louis Gara, a charming but unemployed con artist with a penchant for schemes. His latest plan is to kidnap the wife of Frank Dawson, a wealthy and corrupt businessman, and demand a hefty sum of $1 million in exchange for her safe return. Mickey Dawson, a former call girl and Frank's wife, seems to be the perfect target. Louis teams up with Mickey's cousin, Ordell Robbie, a smooth-talking and cunning gangster. Ordell agrees to help Louis in exchange for a share of the ransom money. However, things don't go exactly as planned when they pick Mickey up from a roadside gas station. As they set out to deliver Mickey to Frank, they encounter a series of unexpected setbacks. Frank's lack of interest in paying the ransom, combined with the duo's haphazard planning, sets the stage for chaos. In a surprising turn of events, Frank agrees to pay the ransom but only if they can deliver Mickey safely to him. The gang, however, doesn't know that Mickey has managed to escape her captors and has joined her husband. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that Mickey has a hidden agenda of her own. She takes advantage of the situation and manipulates both her captors and her husband to achieve her own goals. Despite the initial intentions of Frank and Mickey, the situation spirals out of control, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and unexpected outcomes. Throughout the film, Elmore Leonard's wit and satire come to life, poking fun at the complexities of the American upper class. Frank Dawson is portrayed as a ruthless and calculating individual who has no qualms about using his wealth and influence to get away with his misdeeds. Meanwhile, Micki's independence and determination serve as a subversive commentary on the societal expectations placed on women in such situations. As the story reaches its climax, Louis and Mickey find themselves at odds with Frank, who has finally grown tired of their demands. With the ransom money at stake, they are left to rely on their wit and cunning to outsmart Frank and his henchmen. In a thrilling finale, Mickey outmaneuvers her husband, and Louis finally gets his chance to reap the rewards of his scheme. Directed by Daniel Schechter, "Life of Crime" is a witty and engaging film that delves into the darker aspects of human nature. The performances of the cast, including Jennifer Aniston and John Hawkes, add depth and nuance to the story, bringing Leonard's quirky characters to life. The film's commentary on the complexities of human relationships and the societal pressures that govern them adds a layer of sophistication to the narrative, making "Life of Crime" a thought-provoking and entertaining ride.