Thick As Thieves Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
It's all about payback.
Two master thieves go at odds with one another as one sets the other up for a crime. The first (Alec Baldwin), a suave pro who does his job and then hides in his own privacy, listening to old jazz records and caring for his ailing dog, Wally. The other (Michael Jai White) is a local gangster with a taste for the finer life, who decides to eliminate the competition. This ignites a war between the two men and their aides. An angry mob boss (David Byrd) and a female police officer (Rebecca De Mornay) try to sort the mess before things get too out of hand.
| Alec Baldwin | Mackin, 'The Thief' |
| Andre Braugher | Dink Reeves |
| Michael Jai White | Pointy Williams |
| Rebecca De Mornay | Det. Louise Petrone |
| David Byrd | Sal Capetti |
| Bruce Greenwood | Bo |
| Richard Edson | Danny |
| Robert Miano | Frank Riles |
| Khandi Alexander | Janet Hussein |
| Erich Anderson | Det. Tenesco |
| Reginald Ballard | Sugar Bear |
| Bradford English | Det. Kendall |
| Janeane Garofalo | Anne |
| Ricky Harris | Rodney |
| Gavin Polone | Simons |
| Scott Sanders |
5.80 out of 10 (610 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Excellent American version of Lock Stock.
posted on 10 Nov 2008This film appears to be a straight to video release in the UK and so may not receive the publicity it deserves. It is a stylized, smartly scripted and well acted, humorous gangster film in the vein of Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels. In fact, my opinion is that this is the American version of Lock, Stock and it compares well. I would go so far as to recommend a visit to the video shop especially for this film.
Good cast, funny dialog.
posted on 29 May 2008If you like Elmore Leonard type characters, then I think you will like this. Some very funny parts and fine acting from a very good cast. A must see for Alec Baldwin fans. Not a great film, but lots of fun and a good waste of two hours. I found it a very pleasant surprise.
As good as It Gets For Alec Baldwin
posted on 24 Mar 2008********** SPOILER ALERT *********** Thick as Thieves is an extraordinary Character driven Crime Noir, which raises the standards of the crime film. There are double crosses and snappy lines throughout making for a rousing good time. Alec Baldwin plays Macklin, A Professional Thiefs Thief. A man who approaches each job with skill, expertise & Honor. Macklin's a rare man with a passion for good Jazz, and a deep abiding love for his dog Wally(a Jack Russell Terrier), who's grown old with Macklin and whos on this last legs(Macklin must reconcile with the fact that Wally's in pain & will have to be put to sleep to spare him of this). It's quite a moral dilemma for Macklin(and one which I have faced myself), a dog which you have raised for all of it's life, becomes such a part of your life that when faced with putting him to sleep, becomes extraordinarily painful. This is a great underlying theme in the film: Macklin's Love for his dog, Macklin's love for jazz is evidenced by a shot of his jazz collection which cover nearly an entire hall oh his apartment (the collection shown is Alec Baldwin's own Personal Collection). The movie begins innocently enough when Macklin is contacted by Rials(veteran character actor Ray Miano)Chief Underboss of the Sal Capetti Chicago Organization, To do a job in Detroit, for Pointy Williams(Micheal Jai White), The rip-off is $250,000 in food stamps. Macklin does the job, turnkeys the stamps and is double crossed when, Pointy sets him up with 2 crooked cops. Macklin is forced to kill the 2 cops, to get out alive, thus setting in motion a series of revenge attacks on Pointy Williamses operations. Pointy is backed up by Dink Reeves(played by awesome actor Andre Braugher). Dink lets Pointy know that ripping off the thief was bad for business(the Chicago mob now wants no part of the Food stamps), and that they must send a gesture or remorse to the Chicago Mob($10,000). The escalating war between Macklin & Pointy turns up the heat & sets Detroit on fire and results in the death of wally the dog when 2 of Pointy's men raid Macklins hotel room. The anguish and pain of Wally's death is shown forcefully in Macklin's face, and what was business has now become very, very Personal. A shoot-out at Pointy Williamses Resturant results in Rials ordering a sit-down on neutral territory(both men can bring 1 man along with no guns). At the sitdown, Macklin & his backup(Rodney(a rather curious coincidence, yes??)), and Dink Reeves all come to there with respect, but Pointy Williams arrives disrespecting the sitdown & Rials. Rials repeatedly states to all concerned that he's here to: "Make it right". He then castigates both men for being UnProfessional: Macklin for not immediately Killing Williams & Pointy for trying to set up Macklin in the first place, which precipitated the whole situation.The Mafia tradition of reasoning it out shown here in a direct & premeditated manner. After a few smart-aleck remarks by Pointy concerning how the Italians are the only ones who have got it together, Rials has Williams executed, by a single round to the back of the head. Dink Reeves is allowed to live because he came in respect, unlike Pointy. Macklin is shocked by the whole thing, and left somewhat unfulfilled(he wanted to kill Pointy himself). Rials and Macklin talk for a few minutes in which Rials apologizes for Wally's death. The final scene in the movie Macklin's back at home, he comes in to find a new puppy(A Pug) and a note from Dink Reeves: "Hope you like the dog", thus really giving Macklin a sense of closure. A really nice jazz cut plays thru this scene thus closing out a really good picture.This movie is unpretentious with excellent production values, tight scripting, good acting & emotions. The group of actors assembled for this movie is great. I highly recommend this as an example of what a good crime film should be: It should be fun to watch, with characters you can identify with and in a sense believe in, and dialog that is snappy & sharp. Definitely a *****STAR film. The movie is based on the Book with the same title by Patrick Quinn which is also a very good read, check it out & ENJOY!!!!
Revenge and mob etiquette.......
posted on 17 Feb 2008Alec Baldwin gives an edgy performance, not unlike his similar character in "Miami Blues", as a professional thief who sometimes works for the Chicago mob. When a deal in Detroit goes bad and he is set up by the local hoods, Baldwin's escalating war of revenge pushes the mob to take appropriate action. Good character development, smart dialog, and an excellent supporting cast, lift "Thick as Thieves" well above the usual crime drama. There are unexpected moments of dark humor, intermingled with the not too subtle violence. This smart, action-packed film is far more entertaining than some of Tatantino's supposed "classics". Seek it out. - MERK
I Loved This Movie
posted on 25 Dec 2007What can I say a movie with three of my favorite actors, Alec Baldwin, Andre Braugher and Micheal Jai White! This movie was a pleasant surprise. I woke up one night and the TV was still on and just started watching this movie and man I couldn't believe how funny it was! It was well written and moved very well. Besides the main characters in the movies the supporting cast was incredible too. Khandi Alexander, Rebbeca De Mornay, Bruce Geenwood and others! If you get a chance rent the movie from netflix or you local video store, do a search for it on cable and set a reminder for it! Whatever it takes watch this movie! Has a great jazz sound track too. If you like crime movies, where you like the characters even though they are criminals then you will really enjoy this gem of a movie!
Hidden Gem
posted on 09 Aug 2007I rented this movie just cause I couldn't find anything better and I noticed some fairly big actors in the movie. I was expecting the usual mildly entertaining made for TV movie but boy was I pleasantly surprised! This movie is just too freaking funny.The film is a dark type of comedy. Witty like the Tarantino and Guy Ritchie but done with a very mellow jazzy style. I loved just about all the characters in the movie. Michael Jai White's character had me rolling. A thug on a "renaissance tip" trying way too hard to mask his ghetto side. Baldwin plays a professional thief with a dark side but an affectionate love for his old dog. Sugar Bear and the rest were all equally funny.I watched this movie 3 times on the same rental and a couple more times after that. Great stuff. All my friends that I recommended it to all love it and we find ourselves making jokes with some of the lines in the movie. I am glad the movie wasn't hyped or "hollywoodized" cause the low key tone of the movie fits the quiet release.
a rare gem of a crime film
posted on 06 Dec 2006Thick as Thieves (1999) is a rare gem of a crime film. It perfectly blends comedy, violence, and fully interesting characters. Alec Baldwin is great as the lead thief Mackin, who loves his dog more than anything. Michael Jai White is decent as Pointy, Mackin's rival. I didn't really know any of the other actors who were in this, except Andre Braugher.Thick as Thieves is a pretty decent film. I mean, it's no masterpiece, but it does great on it's own. I give this a 6 out of 10.
Unknown, Unappreciated And Unbelievably Good
posted on 28 Sep 2006It's good to know from reading the user comments here that others are out there who've seen this film (probably on DVD) and enjoyed it as much as me. I don't recall when or where I bought this movie, or what motivated me to do so, but I'm awfully glad I did. Normally, a film's director is the major force in attracting me to buy a film on DVD. Since I had never heard of Scott Sanders, it surely must have been the presence of so many good actors which influenced me to do so. However, if this man never makes another film, he still has made a significant contribution with this one. The actors execute Sander's tight, fast-paced script superbly, as the film flies by so quickly, I was disappointed it was over. Alec Baldwin as the Mafia-connected thief, Bruce Greenwood as his sarcastic sidekick, a black guy whose name I didn't know, who plays Greenwood's foil and sidekick #2, together form a formidable trio of robbers with great chemistry, and much, much sly humor. Pit them against pseudo-sophisticated gang leader Michael Jai White, carelessly arrogant of his bigotry against the "Eyetalians," his #2, a quietly smooth Andre Braugher, and their entourage of bungling underlings, then throw in the middle, laid-back detective Rebecca De Mornay and you have a great crew to execute all the controlled anarchy which ensues. Great acting all around from these fine people. But, it doesn't stop there. There are three or four more guys and gals, again whose names I didn't know, who make vital acting contributions in sizable roles. This is not a "funny, ha ha" type film, but its serious nature is always undermined by subtle comedic touches. If there is a serious weakness in the film, I didn't see it. Director Sanders wrote a great story, recruited a team of top-notch talent, mixed it all together and came out with one great film. I've put myself on notice to see if Scott Sanders shows his face again, but so far ... This film was made in 1998. He has plenty of time, but, c'mon now.
an altogether well-made film
posted on 03 Jun 2006So I'm visiting my brother's house bored to tears and channel-surfing like crazy. All of the sudden, i catch Thick as Thieves coming on. I had never heard of it and the intro was pretty quirky, so i gave it a shot. This movie is one of those best-keep-secrets that most people don't notice. It's not a comdey per se, and not really an action or a Tarantino-esque movie, it kind stands in its own class. The situations the characters get in and out of are humorous-- not "LMAO" funny, just amusingly funny wry. The pacing, casting, the characters, the acting and direction are all top notch and very well fleshed out. So far, anyone i've personally recommended Thick as Thieves to has enjoyed. Hopefully you will, too.
A really great and underrated film.
posted on 08 Nov 2005This is a very warm, comic and enjoyable film. It's set against a gangster, "pay-back" theme, and it must be classified as a drama, but it has a lot of funny and warm scenes. Baldwin's love for his dog is both comic and tender. The way the black hoods talk to each other is also funny. There is the usual violence, but in this film it is not excessive. Baldwin is an underrated actor. The actors who play the black hoods and the actor who plays "Riles," the second-in-command, Italian gangster from Chicago are also very good. I recommend this highly.
Baldwin proves he still has star power, even in minor films
posted on 24 Oct 2005Alec Baldwin, after more than a decade-and-a-half of not becoming the major star we all thought he would be back in the eighties, finally proves that he has star power to burn. Unfortunately, he shows it in a otherwise unspectacular movie that very few people will ever see unless they are late night cable TV junkies or Video store residents. Don't get me wrong--"Thick as Thieves" is a pretty good crime movie, especially compared to the usual no-story, all-special effects, written-by-the-marketing-department, incomprehensible garbage being cranked out by the studios today. It does have a story, a plot, and characters. In fact, if the filmmakers had a bit more skill, you might mistake "Thieves" for a Quentin Tarantino adaptation of an Elmore Leonard novel. Writer-director Scott Sanders doesn't quite have the ear for dialog or the visual clarity of Tarantino, however (and, as maligned by hipster film nuts as Quentin has become, all you have to do is rent "Jackie Brown" to know that the man does know how to develop characters and tell a damn story--even if he is a wanton thief of style). Not having read the original novel "Thieves" is based on, I can't really comment on whether author Patrick Quinn is an up-and-coming Leonard. But even if he really is as good as the master, or only aspires to that high level, I have the feeling that there was much lost in the transfer from word to image. First-timer Sanders has good taste in material, to be sure. And his storytelling and visual styles are clean--but they are also dully TV-like at times. This could be a result of the modest budget (The mid-range budget might also explain the huge cast who rarely appear together in groups numbering more than three--the trick is you get them each to do a day or two's work here and there instead of paying a regular sized cast to perform for an entire film).And, as I mentioned before, Alec Baldwin commands the screen with major star power, in a low-key, subtle performance, reminicent of another little-seen character crime flick starring "the talented Baldwin" from a long time ago, "Miami Blues."
One major star turn + a lot of sturdy work from a host of character actors can sometimes = a good movie. In this case, unfortunately, it only = an OK one.Still, although not up there with the best crime movies, "Thick as Thieves" is superlative when compare to other movies that never have a life outside of Cable TV or the local video store.
A gem waiting to be discovered
posted on 08 Feb 2005I watched this movie late at night, but I was right wide awake! The movie is a story about a thief who after a successful assignment, escapes a attempt at killing him and seeks for revenge after a black gangster who likes the fine things in live.The movie distinguishes itself from other crime movies because of the humor and the witty and funny dialog. Michael Jai White proves to be a very good actor. I knew him from Spawn, but this role is completely different and he is impressive. Baldwin is a very versatile actor who does great in his role as Mackin the thief. The other roles a nicely casted too. It is a well paced, intelligent humorous gangster movie. Rebecca DeMornay proves that you don't have to have a big role to impress. She reminded me of Frances McDormand in Fargo. I can't understand why I didn't hear about this movie before. An example of gems waiting to be discovered by the audience. I loved it.
An amusing journeyman gangster flick for channel surfers
posted on 20 May 2004"Thick as Thieves" follows a crafty professional thief (Baldwin) as he does a job, gets ripped off, and seeks retribution. The result involves cops, black and Italian mobs, and the thief all trying to resolve the situation in accordance with their respective agendas. A slightly above average watch, this journeyman gangster flick is all Hollywood light drama, mildly entertaining, more amusing than serious, and good fodder for channel surfers.
A delightful surprise
posted on 14 Apr 2004In a previous post, z-man-7 expressed my thoughts better than I would have. Would add that the "cool bebop jazz" soundtrack was, well, very cool. Give it 8/10, and I'll be watching it again. Really nice first effort. Proof again that Indies can be more satisfying than major Commercial works.
Swift-paced and very entertaining
posted on 19 Nov 2003Like Supercords, I regret that Scott Sanders 's Thick as thieves is the sole movie he wrote/directed up to this day. Not having read the novel, I cannot speak of the respective merits of the book and the screenplay; but the screenplay /direction combination results in a very entertaining, swift-paced, well-knit, and clear movie ( in spite of the intricacy of simultaneous action at three different levels: the mob's, Baldwin's, and the cops'), with many welcome humorous touches ; good editing, then, and good musical score, too. Another asset is the cast, apparently selected with great care, up to the smallest parts: if Michael Jay White and Andre Braugher got rightly-deserved praise, all the players rate from very good to excellent: Alec Baldwin and his sidekicks, Bruce Greenwood ( almost unrecognizable ) and Ricky Harris, mobsters Richard Edson and Reginald Ballard,amusing Janeane Garofalo, quietly effective and attractive Rebecca de Mornay, and little-known but accomplished actor Robert Miano as the deceptively mild-mannered second-in command of the local mafia.
Lost film gem
posted on 17 Sep 2003I discovered this flick at my local video store one day and thought, "What the heck, why not?". Only problem is that I fell deeply in love with this quirky masterpiece and every time I convinced my friends to watch it the video store had its only copy rented out.Anybody who appreciates complex characters in the mob world will enjoy its fusion of scatty pop piano and healthy dialog. Terrific ensemble cast that mesh well together. Pointy is the HNIC but Dink is the real brains behind the operation. Be sure to catch the sly knock against Sugar Bear's name on the way to meet Hot Sauce.Nice whack job on Pointy by the way. The Italians knew that Dink was smart enough not to clip somebody over "nickel and dime" stuff. It just goes to show that there is still some sense of right and wrong in the mob world. That goes double for Dink letting Fire Escape guy live.Bein' "beefless" is priceless! Not much more I can say about this film because all of you have already expressed just how awesome this movie is.Just for the record, I thought the "Can't take the bitch outta the ghetto" line was frickin' cheesy. I much prefer the line, "Thou shalt not be a blaspheming bitch.".
Good crime story with a warped sense of humor
posted on 08 May 2003This film has a good story, but you have to have a certain appreciation for warped humor to appreciate it. The characters range from mildly unusual to downright peculiar. Pointy (Michael Jai White) is a black crime boss who is trying desperately to be a yuppie, playing golf at the country club, owning a French restaurant and lecturing on culture to anyone who will listen. All this is highly incongruous with the drug dealing, cap-busting realities of his crime syndicate, which makes him a droll and entertaining character.
Mackin (Alec Baldwin) is a meticulous thief, who does occasional heists for the Mafia. He is an obsessive collector of vinyl jazz albums and takes his dog on capers because he wants to spend quality time with him.When Mackin does a food stamp heist for Pointy, Pointy double-crosses him.
This sets up Mackin's revenge, which encompasses most of the film. The vendetta keeps escalating and the Mafia starts losing patience with both antagonists, introducing a third element into the conflict. The plot has a number of interesting twists and the climax is quite unexpected.First time director Scott Sanders' direction was solid but nothing special.
The music, especially the jazz, was excellent. His work with the cast was nicely done, adding a sardonic tone to the entire movie, although I thought at times he got carried away with the disjointed humor.The acting was generally very good. Alec Baldwin's quirky portrayal of this painstaking thief was delightful. Rebecca De Mornay played a very different character than we are used to seeing from her. She was terrific as the tough and impassive cop with an understated and sarcastic wit. However, the best performances were given by Michael Jai White and Andre Braugher. White stole the show with his oh-so-refined mob boss impression. Braugher was great as his cool and calculating lieutenant, with nerves of steel and a brilliant criminal mind.Overall, this was a good crime story that meandered a bit too much from the main plot. I rated it a 7/10. Add a point if you like wry incongruous humor because this film has plenty.
Great entertainment
posted on 18 Dec 2002I borrowed this film of a friend who said it was one of the best he'd seen in a long time,at first i wasn't sure what it would be like due to the fact i'd never heard anything about it,but after watching it i was amazed that it hadn't come out at the cinema,this was a truly good film. The movie has a great script with some memorable lines,as well as a good jazz soundtrack,but also an excellent cast who give some of the best performances i've seen in a long time. Michael Jai White is awesome as Pointy Williams,the smooth black Ghetto Gangster who's trying to become an upmarket buisnessman. Praises must be given to Reginald Ballard who plays the hard hitting Sugar Bear who seems to be the main muscle in Pointies operation.But the best performance of the film must be given to Andre Braugher who plays Dink,a streetwise gangster who knows the score and is Pointies right hand man,he reminds me of Isiah Washington playing Mac in Romeo Must Die. If you watch this then you are guaranteed a good nights entertainment.
Well crafted, quirky, ironic and darkly comic crime drama.
posted on 09 Oct 2001What a great subtle and fresh movie. Best thing Alec Baldwin has done in years. Michael Jai White (Pointy) is going to be a star. Andre Braugher is superb. Excellent supporting cast includes Bruce Greenwood, Rebecca DeMornay, Ricky Harris and Janeane Garafolo. The new director, Scott Sanders, has got the right stuff. Go see this movie.
- 1
- 2
Why am I just now hearing about this movie!?!
posted on 24 Jan 2009This flick has me laughing out loud ALONE in my apartment. I found the dialog a total trip. I love Andre Braugher for "Homicide," God bless it. I grew some respect for Alec Baldwin, who I've never seen play this kind of role. This thing is truly worth seeing if you have a quirky, dirty, urban sense of humor. Short, pointless and entertaining.