Art of the Steal (2013)

“Art of the Steal.” That’s the title of a great 2010 documentary about a raw deal between an art museum in rural Pennsylvania and the City of (Big) Brotherly Love, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It crackled with betrayal, and was all talking heads. Art geeks, even. Now, it’s the title of an “Oceans 11”-type caper with Kurt Russell playing ex-con Crunch Calhoun, out to steal a Gutenberg-printed book that could undo the story of Jesus. On Crash’s crew: His half-brother (Matt Dillon) who previously put our hero in prison for 5 years, and Jay Baruchel as a young crook who acts like Jay Baruchel and blurts out ad-libbed one-liners that scream ad-libbed one-liner. Kurt Russell is a great actor. So, I hate to say this, but “Art” is an ugly-dull bore. Director/writer Jonathan Sobol tosses in endless editing tricks to make his flick soar, but it’s dead at launch, topped by a woeful laughably predictable ending. One highlight: A brief, strange bit where we break from the regular plot to watch Russell play a man who steals the Mona Lisa 100 years ago. Russell’s eyes sparkle. He smiles. He scowls. Boom. Russell deserves a major comeback. C-

Art of the Steal (2010)

My hometown of Philadelphia takes a beating in “Art of the Steal,” a documentary on how the City of Brotherly Love snatched a $25 billion art collection from its “over-my-cold-dead-body” owner. Alas, Albert Barnes is cold and dead. His detractors? Alive and powerful. They want his art. The collection? Chock full of Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Matisse. Swoon. Stuff to make an art lover weep. The problem: Barnes wanted the works outside the city in a rural estate, surrounded by tranquility. He hated the Philly tourist zoo and the rush-job visit so many take at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Director Don Argott absolutely takes Barnes’ side and pisses on Billy Penn’s well-shined face. And … so what? This tale has fascinating talking heads, a gripping pace that left me wondering what happens, even though I knew, and leaves room to scream, “No!” and take the side of the city commissioners and nonprofit Godzillas. Just to see the art on camera is a treat. I want to see the real deals pronto. A