In How To Rob A Bank, a crew of bank raiders, led by the wolf-masked anarchist Ryan (Nicholas Hoult), execute daring heists while posting instructional videos online, cultivating a cult following. To thwart their final heist, FBI Agent West (John C. Reilly) enlists hacker Reagan (Zoë Kravitz). The film nods to the classic Point Break, with a humorously ironic exchange between the characters about their inspirations.
Directed by David Leitch, known for Bullet Train, the film boasts a charismatic cast and bursts of excitement but struggles with tonal inconsistencies. The plot centers around the gang’s online antics, packaged as YouTube-like instructional videos that feel out of sync with contemporary social media trends. The balance between entertaining crime capers and social commentary is awkward, as Ryan’s tragic backstory serves as a device to justify the gang’s actions, featuring characters portrayed by Anna Sawai and Pete Davidson.
While Christian Slater appears as a morally dubious banker, the film suggests broader societal critiques—especially regarding America’s healthcare and support systems—but these themes often feel underdeveloped. The primary issue lies in the fact that Reilly and Kravitz, who infuse depth into cliché characters, are sidelined for extended periods, making them more captivating than the robbers themselves. Ultimately, what begins as a comedic homage morphs into a lackluster and unfocused heist film that falls short in terms of style and excitement.
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