Critic's Grade: C-

It's without no doubt that William H. Macy is an astonishing actor in such award-winning roles like "Pleasantville", and "Fargo." In this particular case "Welcome To Collinwood" doesn't have that same caliber performances as in his previous film achievements. William H. Macy has been in so many other high caliber films such as "Happy Texas", "Panic", "Magnolia", "Boogie Nights", and "Wag The Dog". "Welcome To Collinwood" isn't a bad film but I was expecting better from the film itself. The jokes and gags were funny, but I was hoping for more of a less comedy routine. The film tried to make fun of something that I personally feel isn't so funny. Being a crook, now, what could be so hilarious about that? And how many jokes can you dish out about being a confused crook?

The collaboration between Steven Soderbergh, and George Clooney I really liked, but I truly believe they could have done better with this film overall. Steven Soderbergh other notable award winning films like "Ocean's eleven", "Traffic", and "Erin Brockovich" did not make a particularly good heist film in "Welcome To Collinwood".

The story goes like this?. When petty thief Cosimo (Luis Guzman) is given the plan for the perfect heist from a lifer in prison ? the kind of job you dream about. The reprobates on the block refer to as a "Bellini" when they attempt this plan the whole thing goes south from the start. Everything you could even imagine fails this team of confused thief's who just seem to botch even the simplest task. Leading this band of crooks is George Clooney who Co-produces with Sodenbergh plays a bound to a wheelchair con who tries to show his team how to bust into a safe. Now, it really doesn't get any better from here anyway the whole film is really mediocre.

The cast comprises of Isaiah Washington, William H. Macy, Sam Rockwell, Luis Guzman, Michael Jeter, Patricia Clarkson, and Jennifer Esposito.

What brought this film into the realm of just being an O.K. film with me it was a good idea but done the wrong way. I really wouldn't know where to begin it just needs work all around.

Dan's Review

** stars

All Reviews by Dan Berman [Home page]
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