MOVIE REVIEW
How to Rob
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Genre: Crime
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Peter Horgan
Writer(s): Peter Horgan
Cast: Chinaza Uche, Joshua Koopman, Kevin Nagle, Arthur Hiou, David Pridemore, Sue Costello, Jesse Bargar, Caitlin Zoz, Vera Teixeira, Eli Powers
Where To Watch: available now on Tubi, Freevee, Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, VUDU and more

RAVING REVIEW: From the first scene, HOW TO ROB grabs you by the collar and pulls you into its world—a world where the lines between right and wrong blur in the face of friendship and survival. It’s a ride through the streets of Boston, but not the one you’ve seen a thousand times before. Under the guidance of director Peter Horgan, this film tells the tale of Sean Price (Chinaza Uche) and Jimmy Winters (Joshua Koopman) with realism and depth that makes you can’t help but feel part of their tumultuous journey. It's a narrative rich in camaraderie and resilience, shot through an authentic lens.

The storytelling in HOW TO ROB is undeniably gripping if it does veer into some familiar territory. The film paints a vivid picture of Boston sharing the feeling of the oft-tread path of crime dramas. Through the performances of Uche and Koopman, we see a friendship that’s tested, bent, but ultimately unbroken against a backdrop that’s as beautiful as it is harsh. The film’s ability to layer personal vendettas with the broader societal commentary is nothing short of an intriguing debut, transforming what could have been a simple tale into a reflective exploration of human nature.

The film’s visual treatment, which can only be described as a love letter to Boston, captures its essence without feeling like the same Boston we always see on screen. The diversity and authenticity brought forth through its characters and setting add depth of realism to the experience. The film seems to be a passion project through and through; every moment seems to have a reason to exist within the story.

HOW TO ROB isn’t without its flaws. The film's occasional foray into some odd moments and somewhat forced humor can momentarily take you out of the experience, reminding you that even the most heartfelt stories have shortcomings. While aiming to add depth, these elements sometimes feel like detours from the main narrative road.

Despite its occasional missteps, HOW TO ROB is still a solid showcase of what independent cinema can achieve with vision and heart. Horgan’s direction, fueled by creativity and an evident passion for storytelling, is a welcome direction for aspiring filmmakers. The exploration of friendship against the gritty reality of crime provides a fresh perspective on the ties that bind us, making the film as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

HOW TO ROB tackles its subject matter with confidence and flair as it winds through the complexities of human connection and moral ambiguity. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, elevating the film above standard genre fare and making it a memorable experience. Horgan may walk on some familiar ground, but he does so with boldness and originality that you can’t help but be drawn into the world he’s created.

HOW TO ROB is a film that leaves a mark, not just for its narrative or visual appeal, but for its heart. At its core, it’s a story about what people will do for those they care about, set against the unforgiving backdrop of a world that often demands the impossible. Despite its few flaws, it’s a film that represents the best of what independent filmmaking strives to be: authentic, bold, and utterly compelling. For anyone searching for a movie that offers more than escapism, HOW TO ROB is a welcome addition amidst the sea of formulaic narratives, making it a must-see.

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[photo courtesy of GOOD DEED ENTERTAINMENT, CRANKED UP FILMS]

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