On paper, Life of Crime looks like another sappy addition to the Jennifer Aniston collection of ‘so-so’ movies. In part, this is true. Life of Crime does often find itself going nowhere and being rather uneventful at times, but on top of that is something with enough wit and understanding to keep you engrossed throughout.
In an attempt to raise serious cash, two criminals kidnap the wife of a rogue real-estate property developer and hold her for ransom, only to find out that her unfaithful husband doesn’t want her back again.
Life of Crime lands Aniston in a role she hasn’t really played before. Often the object of somebody’s affection instead of the damsel in distress, she spends a lot of the film behind a taped up ski-mask, or enclosed in the same four walls. At times, her performance can be a little wooden but there are often moments that have the ability to leave you a little teary eyed, if few and far between. After all, this is a comedy rather than a drama – or so you would assume judging by the promotional material. Don’t expect a huge amount of riotous humour and you should be pleased.
It is, despite sort of hating the word, a dramedy. It is Daniel Schechter’s scriptural work that reads more like a low key American Hustle, thanks also largely to Elmore Leonard – the man behind the novel that inspired it, as well as Jackie Brown. It is very much an ensemble cast, with a select few taking the reins all in equal measures, and doing a rather good job of it. It’s a shame that it does become a little disengaging at times, especially if this genre isn’t exactly your thing.
Saying that, Life of Crime is still rather surprising. If you’re into the hustler movies of 80’s and 90’s cinema, Life of Crime will be a pleasant throwback to a genre that’s rarely done well these days. With a cast that does the job, and a sharp script that echoes Leonard’s past work, if in a slightly diluted fashion, Life of Crime will leave many satisfied, even more surprised, and only very few disappointed.
Life of Crime is available on Curzon Home Cinema, and is screening in select cinemas nationwide
Editor of Frowning.us (SSJA 2014 Student Publication of the Year) & Film Writer for The Edinburgh Reporter
