Life of Crime (Daniel Schechter, 2013)

Based on Elmore Leonard's novel The Switch, the sequel of which was adapted into Jackie Brown, this follows one of the earlier escapades of Louis Gara and Ordell Robbie (De Niro and Samuel L. Jackson in the film sequel), as they hit on the idea of kidnapping the wife of a wealthy property speculator. This being an Elmore Leonard plot, things soon get complicated, and twists arise.
It's nice to see Jennifer Aniston for once in something other than a romcom, since she proves she's clearly capable of more as the wife, who displays increasing cool-headed pragmatism towards her weaselly husband as he refuse the pay the ransom. John Hawkes and Mos Def also make good substitutes for the Tarantino film's crooks, if with softer edges, since this isn't an out-and-out hard-hitter, with Tim Robbins credibly loathsome as the husband. So, what we have here is fairly standard material delivered by a solid cast, and bolstered by some snappy dialogue. Not a masterwork like Tarantino's film, but good-natured and entertaining nevertheless.

6/10