When one thinks of heists movies, critically-acclaimed films such as Reservoir Dogs and Dog Day Afternoon or popular blockbusters such as Ocean’s Eleven or Now You See Me spring to mind. But there are forgotten heist movies that didn’t get their due and deserve to be revisited. In today’s episode of Lost and Found, we’re talking about the slick, stylish, and criminally-underrated film The Art of the Steal that’s perfect for a laid-back evening.

This 2013 heist film is sharp, funny, and utterly captivating. It follows a third-rate motorcycle stuntman and part-time art thief Crunch Calhoun—played by Kurt Russell. After a stint in prison due to being double-crossed by his brother Nicky (played by Matt Dillon), Crunch decides to assemble a team for one last job, a job that will set them all up for life.

Sounds familiar, right? The “one last heist” plot has been done to death and The Italian Job among others may be front-runners to deliver on this classic construct. But hang in here, this film also packs a clever mix of humour, action, and plot twists that keep you hooked. And when you add Kurt Russell into the equation, you’ve got a recipe for something really special.

Those who’ve followed his work closely would know that Russell is no stranger to playing a charismatic rogue on screen—he’s done it throughout his career. But here, as Crunch Calhoun, he adds a layer of depth that’s both understated and endearing. He’s not just a suave, larger-than-life criminal; he’s a guy who’s been bruised and battered by life, but also one who has managed to keep his sense of humour intact. Russell has this incredible ability to make you root for his character, even when Crunch is engaged in some morally-questionable activities. Also, he shares a compelling chemistry with Matt Dillon’s character, Nicky. Their brotherly rivalry and tension give the film an emotional core that sets it apart from your average heist flick. You get the sense that beneath the banter and double-crossing, there’s real history between them. Apart from Russell and Dillon, you’ve got solid performances from Jay Baruchel, Terence Stamp, and Kenneth Welsh. The entire cast brings a unique energy that makes the film feel fresh even when dealing with familiar tropes.

But above all, The Art of the Steal has a plot that keeps you guessing right up until the end. The narrative unfolds like a series of clever tricks, and just when you think you know what’s coming next, the film throws in a new twist. It’s fast-paced but never chaotic, allowing you to enjoy the ride while keeping you on your toes.

Unlike most heist movies, the tone here is decidedly light-hearted and fun. But that doesn’t undermine the stakes at hand and the heist sequences are singularly thrilling and packed with sharp wit. In many ways, it strikes a balance between being a smart caper and an entertaining romp.

Despite everything we’ve said about the film thus far, the fact remains that it didn’t turn out to be a massive blockbuster when it was releasedg in theatres. This can be pinned on its modest marketing push but it could also be the fact that audiences weren’t ready to accept a heist movie that doesn’t always take itself too seriously. But in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with big-budget heist films, what’s refreshing about The Art of the Steal is that it focuses on being clever, fun, and leans heavily on performances instead of just relying on flashy special effects or epic set-pieces.

It’s the kind of movie that reminds us why we love heist films in the first place: it’s got the charm, the twists, and, of course, Kurt Russell. If you’re in the mood for something slick and engaging, with enough heart to keep you invested, give The Art of the Steal a watch. It’s available for rent on Amazon Prime Video in India, so add it to your watchlist right away.

Written by Kunal Guha