John Travolta returns to the world of bank robbing in “Cash Out” from Saban Films. Ives directs the film from a screenplay by Dipo Oseni and Doug Richardson. Mason (Travolta) is the leader of a high-end crew of thieves that includes his girlfriend Amelia (Kristin Davis), his younger brother Shawn (Lukas Haas), Anton (Quavo), Link (Nataku Yura), and Hector (Noel Gugliemi). Mason decides to hang it up for good after a double-cross from Amelia, who is undercover, spells a near-miss with the law.
Shawn’s hare-brained scheme to rob a bank tempts Mason with an offer that could be his biggest score ever. Despite his initial reluctance, Mason eventually gives in to the temptation and returns to his old ways. However, things take an unexpected turn when the heist goes awry, and the crew ends up trapped inside the bank with hostages. The presence of SWAT teams, the FBI, and Interpol outside the bank further complicates the situation. Among the authorities waiting to capture the crew is someone Mason knows all too well – lead negotiator Amelia, his former lover.
While “Cash Out” is a low-budget film, the studio is hoping fans of Travolta will raise the numbers to ensure the film’s success as a streaming film. I enjoy a good heist film as much as the next cinephile as long as it’s fun. Sadly, “Cash Out” doesn’t make the mark. While the screenplay embarks on a path of deep narrative intrigue, it unfortunately indulges in underdeveloped character motivations and somewhat lethargic exchanges. Additionally, the dialogue was dull and uninspired, lacking the wit and nuance that makes for compelling storytelling.
Furthermore, the performances in the movie were lackluster. The actors seemed to go through the motions without any real investment in their roles. As a result, I couldn’t connect with any of the characters on an emotional level. The film also failed to deliver on the action front, with no exciting or engaging sequences.
Per IMDB, “Cash Out 2” is already in the can, so hopefully, the sequel ups the action.
Final Grade: C-
“CASH OUT” will be released In Theaters, On Digital, and On Demand on April 26th, 2024.
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