High Heels and Low Lifes

For a non-stop, intelligence-insulting assault of clichés, plot holes, and predictability, this chick-flick caper comedy has an infectious, lively spirit. Minnie Driver and Mary McCormack star as ditzy post-feminist pals who overhear plans for a London bank heist and decide to blackmail the perpetrators. Of course, the amateurish extortion goes awry with botched money drops and double-crosses. Director Mel Smith (Bean) aims for a lip-glossed version of grimy English crime flicks such as Trainspotting or Snatch, but the plot trips again and again over its protruding contrivances. Incidental laughs are the movie's most genuine entertainment, but High Heels & Low Lifes is really more of a ride in an estrogen empowerment amusement park than a viable idea for a motion picture. Not recommended. (R. Blackwelder) [Blu-ray/DVD Review—Oct. 30, 2018—Kino Lorber, 86 min., R, DVD: $14.95, Blu-ray: $24.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 2001’s High Heels and Low Lifes features a decent transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by screenwriter Kim Fuller and voice actor Lewis Macleod. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an unremarkable film.]