I thought maybe that the title of Henry’s Crime was going to allude to something other than a crime, but…no. So here’s the deal: Henry floats through his life and doesn’t seem to be effected by anything that happens to him even when he’s wrongfully accused of robbing a bank and goes to prison for it. He gets out of prison and suddenly decides he wants to rob the very same bank.
Often as a viewer, we rely on music to set up a scene. As the movie opens, there is a fantastic upbeat motown-like song from Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. Although I was loving the music, the entire time, we just see Henry in a car, looking completely lifeless. No expression, just like a robot. Keanu, Keanu, Keanu. What is the appeal? I really think I’m missing something with him. The performance was like a Ken doll walking around. No emotion. The lead character of Henry is a nice guy and is supposed to be sympathetic, but instead comes off just dumb. He doesn’t struggle with any decisions. I would have really liked to see someone else in this role. Perhaps Edward Norton. Yeah. That’d be the ticket.
The story. I just don’t get it. A guy who has no experience in crime whatsoever, goes to prison, then suddenly wants to rob banks? “I’m not doing it for the money.” Then tell us what you are doing it for! Adventure? Start rock climbing for goodness sake, not committing crimes that will land you right back in jail! Also, what was the plan when they completed the robbery? Was that scene cut out? It was never discussed other than Max wanting to go to Florida where grapefruits are the size of his head.
On the upside, I really like Vera Farmiga (Up In the Air, The Departed). I hadn’t seen her in a quirky role and she really hit it out of the park. She is charming, light-hearted and totally adorable. I’m really happy to see her out of the dramatic pool and doing something fun.
Another problem I had was how Max (James Caan) was a character that was supposed to be completely institutionalized and scared of the outside world, yet had no problem whatsoever adjusting when he got to the outside. That part should have been adjusted. The character didn’t need to be have that background for this story.
This is director Malcolm Venville’s second feature film, the first being 44 Inch Chest. That movie had an incredible cast, but I fell asleep watching it. If you’re sleepy, you might fall asleep during Henry’s Crime.
Rating: Lots of potential, but ultimately falls flat.
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