The Code - DVD Review

By Cyril Pearl -- Video Business, 6/22/2009

FIRST LOOK
Street: June 23
Prebook: now
> Talented cast does its best to rise above a derivative heist flick.

Originally entitled Thick as Thieves, The Code boasts an A-list cast in the form of Morgan Freeman, as a veteran art thief, and Antonio Banderas, as a younger but no less talented man in the same profession, who team up to plan the heist of a pair of Faberge eggs. Also along for the ride are Radha Mitchell as Freeman’s sexy goddaughter and Robert Forster as the cop determined to put Freeman behind bars. Directed by Mimi Leder (Deep Impact), The Code is a perfect example of a film fulfilling the requirements of its genre—and nothing beyond that. There aren’t any surprises and the occasionally twisting story is predictable. The cast members submit workmanlike performances that don’t raise the bar or audience interest all that much, though any appearance by Ms. Mitchell usually does the job.

Shelf Talk: Best Buy will exclusively sell a version of the film enhanced with the new TellX technology, which includes new interactive menu software and Blu-ray-ish interactive branching bits that cover everything from the film’s fashions to its locations and other behind-the-scenes info. There’s also an interactive treasure hunt feature, “Cracking The Code,” wherein viewers are offered a chance to win an Apple iPod. A version of The Code sans the TellX technology will be widely available at other retailers. There’s always a healthy group of consumers looking for a good heist movie, and though this one isn’t all that juicy, the star power coupled with a so-so caper will nonetheless deliver the goods for those interested.

Thriller, color, R (mature themes, language, sexual situations, nudity), 103 min., DVD $28.98, BD $29.98
Extras: none
Director: Mimi Leder
First Run: DVD premiere