CAPSULE REVIEW
Sometimes, a movie has such a cool premise and buildup that it is disappointing when what follows is merely fine. At its best, Toy Gun Bandit recalls the pleasures of Better Call Saul, built around a selfish, frustrating protagonist whose need for validation gradually makes life worse for nearly everyone around him, even if it doesn’t go quite all the way. Rémi St Michel’s film follows socially abrasive 15-year-old Félix (Félix Munger), who meets and befriends the much older, recently paroled Dave (David Beaudoin), who is hatching a plan to rob banks. Félix is eager to impress, having finally met someone who, at least in his mind, takes him seriously. Along with a perpetually stoned accomplice, they become an unlikely band of amateur criminals who, way over their heads, start robbing banks with painted toy guns. Félix finally feels like he belongs somewhere, even as the film makes clear that his self-absorbed personality and selfish behavior are largely responsible for his inability to maintain far more normal relationships with teenagers his own age.
The film’s hardest job is making us care about such an insufferable little brat, who comes from a more-than-decent family and privileged upbringing yet cannot help being the most annoying teenager in every room. The contrast between his very young appearance and Dave’s far more hardened presence, complete with neck tattoos, makes their relationship too difficult to buy at times. The bank robberies are entertaining at first, even if they feel a little too easy. The film falls short in dealing with the consequences of Félix’s behavior, despite one terrific scene where his criminal life suddenly crashes into his best friend’s house. The film could have used more of that, giving greater weight to the damage caused by Félix’s increasingly stupid choices, but it unfortunately rushes to the finish line, leaving the story without quite the catharsis it needs. There is plenty to enjoy along the way, but its best ideas are never given enough room to develop.
- Where to watch
- Coming soon
- Where to watch
- Coming soon
- Original title
- Faux Gun Bandit
- Director
- Rémi St-Michel
- Cast
- Félix Munger, David Beaudoin, Sara Montpetit, Brandon Truong, Lou Thompson, Chau-Phi Van Quirion, Jenny-Mark Turmel-Pichette, Mathieu Bourret
- Screenwriter
- Rémi St-Michel
- Cinematography
- Xavier Bossé
- Country
- Language
- French