If you can get past the farfetched premise and rather homely execution, this Australian thriller from writer/director Robert Connolly proves to be an amusing economic potboiler about corporate chicanery and personal revenge. The main plot thread involves a computer whiz (David Wenham, Faramir in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers) who devises a software program that can precisely predict movements in the world's financial markets, and the arrogant CEO of a huge banking conglomerate (Anthony LaPaglia) who intends to use it to score whopping profits. The subplot revolves around a lower-class couple trying to sue the bank for the accidental death of their son, which they blame on the company's greed. Though the convolutions of the script are never remotely convincing and the production seems ridiculously small-scaled for the supposedly world-shaking events, the picture succeeds as an enjoyable if implausible tale, and LaPaglia has a field day playing a supremely odious villain. When he recites a line like “I'm like God, but with a better suit,” he exudes a sleazy charisma that's hard to resist. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by writer-director Robert Connolly, a three-minute “original concept” featurette with storyboards and commentary by Connolly, cast and crew bios, and a trailer. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a fine indie sleeper.] (F. Swietek)
The Bank
New Yorker, 103 min., not rated, VHS: $44.95, DVD: $29.95, June 17 Volume 18, Issue 3
The Bank
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As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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