Based on true events (yes, really), Masterminds follows David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) as he abandons his humdrum life when co-worker Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig) convinces him to rob the company his employer – Loomis Fargo. Incredibly, Ghantt manages to steal $17 million, but the architect of the plan, Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson), manages to get Ghantt to part with the money and sends him to Mexico, where Chambers hopes to make Ghantt the fall guy. On the run, Ghantt has to evade the authorities and a hit man (Jason Sudeikis), all while exposing those who turned on him.
When asked to describe my thoughts on the film after watching it, I had two words in mind: “stupid” and “funny.” Or “stupid funny,” really. The humor here is undeniably of the lowest common denominator sort, but it works at times thanks to some of the casting choices. Galifianakis is solid, and this comes from someone who finds him to be incredibly hit or miss as an actor, and Wiig has a few moments that show her off-kilter sense of humor. The standout of the cast, though, is Kate McKinnon (to the surprise of no one at this point). With limited screen time, she makes a big impression as Ghantt’s fiancé. This film isn’t going to be for everyone, but it does provide some decent laughs.
Outtakes Atlanta 