There is really only one way to describe “Henry’s Crime” and that is cruel and unusual punishment. Just when you thought Keanu Reeves couldn’t be any more mundane, he goes and totally outdoes himself.
“Henry’s Crime” is the story of Henry (Keanu Reeves), a man so depressed by his job as a tollbooth operator and his wife that he chooses to go to jail for a crime he didn’t commit. After spending a few years behind bars and befriending an old con man with a heart (James Caan), Henry decides that if he’s already done the time, why not go ahead and do the crime?
Reeves has made a career out of playing characters that are so mundane or clueless because well, that is just Keanu Reeves. So it was extremely shocking that he’s so completely dull and lifeless as Henry. I had such a hard time believing that this man could turn his life around because he has the same tone and delivery through the whole movie.
The supporting cast has two fantastic actors who are surprisingly lacking. Caan has a few moments that are entertaining, but I maybe cracked a smile at best. I was looking forward to Vera Farmiga as Keanu’s love interest. She was amazing in “Up in the Air” and although her part was small in “The Departed,” she still had a presence. Not this time.
The biggest problem with this movie is the story itself. The whole movie feels more like an outline than an actual script. I can see the pitch for the movie now. “A hapless, down-on-his-luck guy goes to jail and become friends with a criminal with a heart. Upon their release, the two buddies decide to rob a bank and along the way, the main character falls in love. Just as the two think they are free, a random person from the main character’s life appears out of nowhere wanting a cut of the profit.” (slaps head)
As for the special features, well, there are none, and that is all right by me because “Henry’s Crime” is a boring, soulless movie that isn’t worth wasting precious moments of life watching. There’s no reason to add any special features to this one.
Film: 0 Yaps Extras: N/A