‘Caper’ Review: An Errant Sext Spurs an Overnight Heist in a Bad Buddy Comedy That Wastes True Chemistry

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One effective approach to rephrase this:
It’s not necessarily better to avoid fully embracing the unique character of New York City neighborhoods when trying to create a crowd-pleaser. It isn’t just about the advantage of filming in iconic locations, but also the accessibility to numerous, authentic actors residing in these areas who haven’t yet been discovered. Gather them together in a van with some pizza and you could have an interesting starting point for a movie. The title could be straightforward – something like “Heist,” for instance. Does it really require anything more intricate than that?

It’s possible that not all the time, but certainly in this case, writer-director Dean Imperial takes a risk that doesn’t pay off with his debut feature film. The movie follows a night filled with escapades among a group of poker friends who are on the verge of acting immaturely. Although some of them have reached middle age and beyond, they are about to behave like teenagers. One of their companions (Ron Palais) is headed towards suicide after mistakenly sending an explicit selfie to his boss; the challenge is to either hack or retrieve the receiving smartphone before morning break.

The idea is simple yet compassionate but has an unexpected vulgar undertone. However, Imperial struggles to expand upon this concept effectively. The story, titled “Caper,” jumps from one neighborhood to another and resembles a series of rapid missteps. As the men try to enlist assistance, they are repeatedly humiliated. Two characters with tech backgrounds show up. One is used for comic relief, while the other is meant to evoke emotion. Both attempts to develop the male characters further feel superficial.

Instead of finding the film’s comedic centerpiece amusing, prolonged moments of silence are more bearable. This scene involves a group of men visiting a nightclub to meet with a typical, cocaine-dependent tycoon. To gain entry, they must rent skimpy costumes for a theme – an idea that is supposed to be funny initially, but lacks a punchline afterwards. It’s one thing to watch awkward men wear assless chaps, but the group’s embarrassment, the atmosphere of the club, and even the sight of the costumes themselves are all underplayed significantly.

The movie “Caper” fails to deliver humor effectively, leaving its numerous comedic moments falling flat. The storyline presents a mix of common yet unique predicaments, but the protagonists’ personalities remain unearthed within these scenarios. It’s an action-packed film lacking the excitement of unveiling new aspects and most characters don’t develop beyond their initial portrayals.

Or simply:

“Caper” struggles to be funny and fails to develop its characters, despite a mix of common yet unique situations. The movie lacks the thrill of discovery and most characters remain one-dimensional.

The lost chances feel even more significant because the actors appear to have a strong connection, and they seem eager to go beyond their usual limits. (Some of them have produced shows, and many have worked together at a local improvisation company.) Occasionally, the performances shine brightly, particularly when camaraderie is showcased – like when one character (Richard Cooper) unsuccessfully tries to bribe a cunning doorman or when another (Celester Rich) gets to play the role of a smooth-talking charmer to divert a female security guard.

In essence, “Caper” quickly depletes its comedic potential and appears to use this shallow approach as a form of satire, which can be disappointing. However, it’s puzzling why the movie feels compelled to claim superiority over the male-centric tribalism it seems to embrace. Certain dialogue points, such as men fearing a “progressive feminist boss” or being told to “get a therapist,” come across as oversimplified and irrelevant within the context of what’s supposed to be a crude, lowbrow comedy. Despite its rough exterior, grungy facial hair, and chilly nighttime shots, “Caper” feels more charming than gritty. The characters’ struggles seem artificial in comparison to the film’s own excessive self-awareness.

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2025-03-14 04:16