Pass the scissors!

Arthur J Pais in Toronto

What does a film with two solid performances, a number of clever lines, amusing gags and fast paced road drama need?

A skilful editor.

Bandits, a crime-caper comedy that clocks at 122 minutes could have been a far more gripping if it was 100 minutes long.

But director Barry Levinson is in far better form here than in many of his recent films, including the expensive flick, Sphere. Besides, the pleasure of seeing Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton and Cate Blanchett interact in this handsomely mounted production is considerable.

The central premise of the film -- two escaped convicts working their way up to the final heist that will fund their retirement -- doesn't sound promising at first. But the crisp getaway scenes and funny encounters keeps the film going for most part.

Joe Blake (Bruce Willis) is a dumb-witted prison inmate, who steals a cement truck and escapes with buddy Terry Collins (Billy Bob Thornton).

The two work low-risk plans to rob banks: Hold the managers hostage in their houses the night before, then go to the bank the next morning and grab the money before customers come in.

Soon the men become television celebrities and earn the name Sleepover Bandits.

But Joe is looking beyond American highways: He plans to finance a nightclub near Acapulco, Mexico.

His hypochondriac buddy, however, raises sanitation issues. Even before the Acapulco plan is broached, he asks Joe, "May I please go back to prison?"

As the two men battle for their retirement funds, Joe's cousin Harvey (Troy Garity) joins them. His destination is closer. He leaps from heights and he sets himself on fire. All this to become a film stuntman.

The trio's escapades become even more interesting when Cate joins them. She is ravenous for adventure, hoping to make up for the missed fun in her marriage. But her presence leads to competition between Joe and Terry, who are both taken up with her.

Willis in a lighter role here, compared to his two recent big hits, The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, both directed by M Night Shyamalan, is generally likeable.

And Blanchett puts in yet another arresting performance after her sterling role in Shekar Kapur's Elizabeth. As a neurotic woman, desperate for action, she excels in the comic and physical farce scenes.

But Thornton's turn as a man absorbed with himself is reminiscent of a performance that is even more fascinating than Woody Allen's work in such benchmark films as Annie Hall.

There should be DVDs of the editor's versions of some films. And Bandits should be on that list.

Credits:
Cast: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett
Directed: Barry Levinson
Screenplay: Harley Peyton