Plot Overview:

The film follows David Ghantt (played by Zach Galifianakis), a naive and easily manipulated armored truck driver who gets caught up in a massive bank heist. He is convinced by his crush, Kelly Campbell (played by Kristen Wiig), and her criminal friends led by Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson) to steal $17 million from the Loomis Fargo vault. However, after the heist, David is betrayed and framed by the gang, leading to a wild and often hilarious series of events as both the FBI and his former accomplices chase him.

Key Cast:

• Zach Galifianakis as David Ghantt, the awkward and lovable mastermind behind the heist.
• Kristen Wiig as Kelly Campbell, the manipulative love interest who convinces David to carry out the robbery.
• Owen Wilson as Steve Chambers, the greedy ringleader who plans to betray David.
• Jason Sudeikis as Mike McKinney, a hitman hired to track down David.
• Leslie Jones as FBI Agent Scanlon, who is on the case to track down the culprits.

Humor and Style:

• The film blends slapstick comedy and quirky character-driven humor. Much of the humor comes from Zach Galifianakis’ awkward, clueless character and his interactions with the more competent but morally corrupt figures around him.
• The comedic chemistry between Galifianakis, Wiig, and Wilson adds to the charm of the film, with their performances elevating the absurdity of the true events.

True Story Elements:

Though the movie is a comedic take on the story, the real Loomis Fargo robbery was a serious crime, with over $17 million stolen. Many details were exaggerated or fictionalized for comedic effect, but the core elements of the heist and the eventual capture of the criminals are based on real events.

Reception:

• “Masterminds” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the cast’s performances and the humor, while others felt the film’s plot was too disjointed. However, it has developed a following among fans of offbeat comedy.
• The film didn’t perform as well at the box office as expected but has since found an audience through streaming platforms.

With its blend of true crime and ridiculous comedy, “Masterminds” is an entertaining watch, especially if you enjoy heist films with a lighter, more humorous twist. Are you curious about the real-life events behind the film or more interested in the comedy aspect?