Life of Crime Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two mediocre criminals kidnap Jennifer Aniston only to realize her husband is like, ‘Nah, keep her,’ so they’re all, ‘Wait, can *we* have the money?’

🍿 Life of Crime: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Kidnapping Plot

In 1978 Detroit, small-time criminals Ordell Robbie and Louis Gara devise a plan to kidnap Mickey Dawson, the wife of wealthy real estate developer Frank Dawson. They believe Frank will readily pay the ransom, unaware that he’s been evading taxes and stashing money in an offshore account. They aim to exploit this knowledge for their own gain.

Unexpected Complications

The kidnapping goes smoothly, but Ordell and Louis soon discover Frank has no intention of paying the ransom. He’s been having an affair with Melanie Ralston and plans to divorce Mickey. This revelation throws a wrench into their plans, forcing them to adapt and find a new strategy.

Changing Dynamics

While held captive, Mickey develops a surprising connection with Louis, who shows her kindness and protects her from the perverted advances of their accomplice, Richard. Meanwhile, Ordell travels to the Bahamas and meets with Frank’s mistress, Melanie, who offers him money to kill Mickey.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mickey Dawson (Jennifer Aniston): A stoic socialite and housewife who finds unexpected strength when she’s kidnapped and her husband refuses to pay the ransom.
• Ordell Robbie (Yasiin Bey): An experienced con and the mastermind behind the kidnapping plot who is driven by greed and often makes impulsive decisions.
• Louis Gara (John Hawkes): A somewhat chivalrous ex-con and partner in crime to Ordell, who develops a soft spot for their kidnapping victim.
• Frank Dawson (Tim Robbins): A corrupt real-estate developer and Mickey’s husband, who is more interested in his mistress and tax evasion than his wife’s safety.
• Melanie (Isla Fisher): Frank’s manipulative and cunning mistress who sees Mickey’s kidnapping as an opportunity to improve her own situation.
• Richard Monk (Mark Boone Junior): A neo-Nazi gun nut and associate of Ordell and Louis, whose disturbing behavior complicates the kidnapping plot.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mickey Dawson: “She looks like a million bucks.” – Mickey says this about Melanie, Frank’s mistress, highlighting her own perceived lack of value.
• Ordell Robbie: “So Richard i got a little joke for you, you might like this one, you too Lewis. A Dude goes to the doctor: Doctor says: Sr. you have to stop masturbating. The patient goes: Why? And the doctor goes: Cause i’m trying to exam you.” – Illustrates Ordell’s crude humor and attempts to lighten the mood despite the serious situation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $265,452
• Worldwide Gross: $1,456,675

💥 Life of Crime Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Life of Crime’ because it wasn’t your typical crime movie. It was funny, weird, and the characters were so messed up, which made it fun. I loved how Jennifer Aniston played against type. The scene where she stabs the Nazi with a cigarette was hilarious! I felt like the ending was perfect.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Elmore Leonard’s work”
  • “Viewers who enjoy crime comedies with quirky characters”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted take on the kidnapping genre”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Language”
  • “Brief Violence”
  • “Suggestive Content”
  • “Drug Use”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While ‘Life of Crime’ boasts a strong cast and a faithful adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s source material, it ultimately lacks the spark and excitement of other Leonard adaptations like ‘Jackie Brown.’ The pacing is uneven, and the dark comedy doesn’t always land, leaving the film feeling somewhat underwhelming despite its potential.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Life of Crime entertains with quirky characters and an engaging plot, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors. Jennifer Aniston delivers a solid performance, but the film’s inconsistent tone prevents it from being a truly memorable crime comedy.
• RogerEbert.com: “Life of Crime is a delightfully quirky crime caper with a fantastic cast. The movie blends dark humor and suspense in a way that keeps you hooked.Jennifer Aniston shows her range, proving she can do more than just comedy.

Audience Reactions

Fans loved the unexpected plot twists and the dark humor.: Viewers praised the strong performances of Jennifer Aniston and John Hawkes.

Many viewers enjoyed the 70s setting and the retro vibe.: People agreed that the film was entertaining but not groundbreaking.

Overall Consensus: Life of Crime is a decent crime comedy that offers a fun, if not exceptional, viewing experience. The performances are solid, but the movie ultimately falls short of being truly memorable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on Elmore Leonard’s novel “The Switch,” which features characters that also appear in his novel “Rum Punch,” the basis for Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown.””
• “Originally, Diane Keaton was set to star as Mickey Dawson in a 1986 adaptation, but the project was shelved due to similarities with “Ruthless People.””
• “The movie is set in Detroit, but filming took place in Greenwich, Connecticut.”

🖥️ How to Watch Life of Crime?

As of October 2024, “Life of Crime” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as offers may vary. Some cable providers may also offer it on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Life of Crime, you might like these similar films:

• Jackie Brown (1997): Direct adaptation of an Elmore Leonard novel featuring some of the same characters (Ordell Robbie, Louis Gara) in an earlier story.
• Ruthless People (1986): Similar plot involving the kidnapping of a wealthy woman whose husband doesn’t want her back, with comedic elements.
• Fargo (1996): Shares the dark comedic tone and inept criminals involved in a kidnapping scheme gone wrong.
• Out of Sight (1998): Another Elmore Leonard adaptation with witty dialogue, quirky characters, and a crime caper plot.

🛒 Life of Crime Related Products

• Elmore Leonard: Collected Novels: Dive into the world of Elmore Leonard with this collection of his best crime novels. Experience the wit and suspense that inspired ‘Life of Crime’ and many other hit movies and series.
• 70s Retro Sunglasses: Embrace the style of the 1970s with these oversized sunglasses. Perfect for adding a touch of retro flair to your look and feeling like you stepped straight out of the movie.
• Life of Crime Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official ‘Life of Crime’ movie poster. Add this iconic image to your collection and show off your love for this quirky crime comedy.
• 1970s Fashion Guide: Retro Style Book: Explore the iconic fashion trends of the 1970s with this comprehensive guide. Get inspired by the styles seen in ‘Life of Crime’ and learn how to recreate the looks yourself.

🎧 Soundtrack

Life of Crime features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Didn’t I” – performed by Darondo

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Peppa Pig’s Life of Crime | Robot Chicken | adult swim

Okay, you HAVE to see this! It’s Peppa Pig gone totally rogue in a Robot Chicken sketch. It’s so wrong, but so hilarious – you won’t believe what Peppa gets up to!

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