Logan Lucky - A heist film that will steal your heart

Logan Lucky follows Jimmy (Channing Tatum), a divorced father and unemployed construction worker trying his best to make ends meet so he can spend more time with his young daughter. He approaches his one-handed brother, Clyde (Adam Driver), with a unique scheme to raise some money: infiltrate the complex tube system used at the local racing track, to transfer the cash from tickets and concessions, and take that money for themselves. They will need the help of an experienced vault cracker named Joe Bang (Daniel Craig), and a few more brave volunteers, to pull off the heist.

This may sound like your standard heist movie, but it's more unique than that. For one thing, this particular story takes place deep in West Virginia. The characters are the kind you would usually see as supporting players, stereotypical rednecks who are big into NASCAR. Except, all of the characters in this movie are smart. I personally love this, because it breaks that stereotype of the dumb Southerner - something that I have never really liked, even when it was, occasionally, funny.

Also, all of the characters are likable. Even Joe Bang, a convicted felon, has an air of humanity to him that makes it clear that, while he's technically not a good man, he's at least honest about himself and carries himself in a way that would at least make you feel comfortable having a beer with him. In fact, the only character in the movie who can actually be considered a "villain" is the über-wealthy and self-important Max Chilblain (Seth MacFarlane), the energy drink magnate and driver sponsor.

The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh, known for 2001's Ocean's Eleven remake and its sequels. Soderbergh is one of my favorite directors because he loves his characters, ensures that they are developed well, and have personalities we can relate to. Also, his lighting style is gorgeous. Soderbergh is one of the few directors who is also his own cinematographer, handling the camera and the lighting as well as the cast and crew. Soderbergh tends to use what's called an available light style, which is to use as few artificial lights as possible in favor of what's already there (such as windows or service lights). It's the kind of photographic style I tend to favor when I shoot my own movies, and I love to see the same style employed by the big guys on the big screen.

This is a clean, smart, fun movie. If you need something t put you in a better mood, this is the movie to see.

Is it worth seeing?
Yes.

Is it worth seeing in theaters?
Yes

Why?
It has a great story, likable characters, and makes an effort to break some bad stereotypes.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you for reading.