🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Anthony Russo
- Genre: Crime, Comedy
- Release year: 2002
- Runtime (length): 1h 26min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (16K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 54%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A group of lovable losers try to rob a place, mess everything up, and probably end up owing more money than they started with because crime doesn’t pay, especially if you’re terrible at it.
🍿 Welcome to Collinwood: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Cosimo’s Big Plan
Cosimo, a small-time crook, lands in jail after a botched car theft. While incarcerated, he learns of a potentially lucrative heist from a fellow inmate – a ‘bellini,’ as they call it, that promises a big payoff. However, Cosimo needs to get out of jail to execute the plan.

Rosalind’s Search for a Patsy
Cosimo tasks his girlfriend, Rosalind, with finding a ‘malinski’ – someone to take the blame for his crime in exchange for money. Rosalind spreads the word, hoping to find someone desperate enough to do time for Cosimo, which begins to attract a series of other inept criminals.

A Gang of Bunglers Assembles
As Rosalind searches for a patsy, she inadvertently gathers a motley crew of misfit criminals, each with their own quirks and motivations. These include Pero, a washed-up boxer; Riley, a down-on-his-luck father; and Toto, an eccentric old man. This band of characters decide to attempt the heist themselves.

Jerzy the Safe Cracker
To pull off the ‘bellini,’ the group enlists the help of Jerzy, an experienced safe cracker who uses a wheelchair. Jerzy provides guidance and teaches them the techniques needed to crack the safe, but his methods are unorthodox and their execution is flawed, leading to more comedic moments.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Cosimo (Luis Guzmán): A petty thief who orchestrates a heist from prison, hoping to get rich.
- Pero (Sam Rockwell): A hapless boxer who gets involved in the heist, driven by the need for money.
- Riley (William H. Macy): A down-on-his-luck father who joins the heist to support his family.
- Jerzy (George Clooney): A wheelchair-bound, tattooed ex-con safe cracker, reluctantly assists the crew.
- Toto (Michael Jeter): A quirky member of the heist crew, portrayed as somewhat eccentric.
- Rosalind (Patricia Clarkson): Cosimo’s girlfriend, tasked with finding a patsy to take his place in jail.
- Leon (Isaiah Washington): One of the heist members.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Pero: “Please, Your Honor, I’m here to confess. That man is innocent. Your Honor, I can no longer live with the guilt. It was me who was stealing that car, I confess. My brother Cosimo, Saint Cosimo as he’s known on the streets, was only trying to stop me. And I told him, “Cosimo, I need to steal this car, I’m a car thief, I steal cars… by myself.”” – Pero’s over-the-top confession in court, trying to take the blame for Cosimo’s crime.
- Cosimo: ““Your mother’s a whore!”” – Cosimo’s trademark insult, often shouted in moments of frustration.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $12,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $336,620
- Worldwide Gross: $4,172,703
💥 Welcome to Collinwood Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed Welcome to Collinwood! It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a fun, lighthearted movie. The characters are quirky and endearing, especially William H. Macy’s Riley and Michael Jeter’s Toto. Their screw-ups made me laugh out loud! I especially liked the scene where they’re trying to climb the ladder, and Toto loses his pants—pure slapstick gold!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of crime comedies”
- “Viewers who enjoy ensemble casts”
- “Those who like quirky, character-driven stories”
- “People interested in films set in unique locations like Cleveland”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Mild violence”
- “Suggestive themes”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While the cast is undeniably talented, Welcome to Collinwood fails to generate enough consistent laughs, resulting in a caper that’s more amusing than truly hilarious. The film’s strength lies in its character-driven humor, but it lacks the sharp writing needed for a memorable heist comedy.
- IMDB: “A stylish, yet slightly underwhelming heist comedy. The film coasts on the charm of its ensemble cast rather than a gripping narrative. It has a Coen Brothers vibe, but lacks their sharpness. Worth a watch for the performances, especially William H. Macy and Sam Rockwell.
- Sunday Mirror: “Welcome to Collinwood is a remake of a classic Italian comedy, and it does a pretty good job of capturing the charm of the original. The cast is great, the writing is sharp, and the direction is inspired. If you’re a fan of heist movies or comedies, you should definitely check this out.
Audience Reactions
The cast’s chemistry and comedic timing make this movie a gem.: Viewers consistently praise the ensemble cast and the movie’s lighthearted humor, despite some finding the plot weak.
Michael Jeter’s performance is unforgettable and adds a heartwarming touch.: Many feel Michael Jeter’s role is a highlight, bringing both humor and pathos to the film.
Overall Consensus: A charming, yet flawed, heist comedy that relies on its talented cast and quirky characters for laughs. A fun watch, but not particularly memorable.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Welcome to Collinwood is a remake of the 1958 Italian film “Big Deal on Madonna Street” (I soliti ignoti).”
- “George Clooney not only starred in the film but also served as one of the producers through his production company, Section Eight Productions.”
- “The Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe, who directed this film, later went on to direct major Marvel Cinematic Universe films like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Avengers: Endgame.””
🖥️ How to Watch Welcome to Collinwood?
Welcome to Collinwood is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. Check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies for availability. You may also find purchase options on platforms like Vudu.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Welcome to Collinwood, you might like these similar films:
- Big Deal on Madonna Street (1958): This is the original Italian comedy that “Welcome to Collinwood” is a remake of, featuring a similar plot about inept burglars.
- The Ladykillers (2004): Another comedy about a group of misfit criminals whose elaborate heist plans go hilariously awry.
- Bottle Rocket (1996): A Wes Anderson film about a group of friends with elaborate plans for a life of crime and adventure, but with limited experience or resources.
🛒 Welcome to Collinwood Related Products
- Welcome to Collinwood [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition for improved picture and sound quality. A must-have for collectors and fans of the film.
- Big Deal on Madonna Street (I Soliti Ignoti) [DVD]: Experience the original Italian comedy that inspired Welcome to Collinwood. A timeless classic of Italian cinema.
- Cleveland, Ohio: History & Neighborhoods: Learn about the actual neighborhoods that served as inspiration for Welcome to Collinwood. Gain insight into the film’s setting and the lives of its characters.
🎧 Soundtrack
Welcome to Collinwood features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Welcome to Collinwood is a remake of the 1958 Italian comedy film ‘Big Deal on Madonna Street’ (I soliti ignoti).
Jerzy, played by George Clooney, is an experienced safe cracker in a wheelchair who is hired by the inept group of criminals to teach them how to crack the safe. He appears in a cameo role.
In the context of Welcome to Collinwood, a ‘bellini’ is slang for a big, lucrative job or heist that promises a significant payoff.
Welcome to Collinwood was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, which adds to the authenticity of the setting and the gritty atmosphere of the film.
🔥 Bonus Content
Every Russo Brothers Rotten Tomatoes Movie Score: From Best to Worst
Ever wondered how ‘Welcome to Collinwood’ stacks up against the Russo Brothers’ other films, like ‘Avengers: Endgame’? This video breaks down all their Rotten Tomatoes scores, and honestly, some of these rankings are surprising!
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