Review by John Delia
Now on DVD and Blu-ray, the movie of the true story Vault brings the action to home video with all the energy and taught drama it displayed in theaters. The special bonus features accompanying both media include commentary by the Director Tom DeNucci and Director of Photography Sam Ellertsen.
Making a good film takes talent and especially if the filmmaker has to roll the years back. What makes the film Vault stand out is the production that includes the very good cinematography that looks like it was made during the 1970’s and close up that will make you cringe at times. It convinces with the use of vintage autos, slum like locations and costuming of the era. The movie brings you back to the era of the true story on which it is based. Combine this with the fine acting by Theo Rossi and Clive Standen and the movie comes up a good measure above average.
In 1975 a couple of smalltime hoods, Deuce (Theo Rossi) and Chucky (Clive Standen), rob a pawn shop in Providence, Rhode Island in the middle of the afternoon. During the robbery, Deuce hits on clerk Karyn (Samura Wiley) and makes it known that he favors her. That night he gives her a ride home from work and they become an item.
Days later the two pals pull a bank heist and after making a good exit find their getaway driver has departed. Getting convicted of the job, Deuce and Chucky get sent to prison where they get to see their local mob boss Don Raymond (Chazz Palminteri) who’s there on a charge of murder. They see the special treatment he’s getting from the warden and when they have an opportunity to impress him, French hoodlum Gerry (Don Johnson) takes the two under his wing.
Thus begins a film that will take you on a ride of one of the biggest heists ever. Director and co-writer Tom DeNucci puts a lot of buildup in the first 20 minutes almost making it a completely separate film. He then offers the real meat of the story with Deuce on the run with Karyn, and Chucky dealing with Gerry on the home front. The early backstory’s an okay way of presenting the movie as it does give it a bit of nostalgia of the mid 1970’s while setting up the strong points of the true story.
The performances by Theo Rossi (Juan Carlos in “Sons of Anarchyâ€) and Clive Standen (Rollo in Showtime’s “Vikingsâ€) are spot on showing their characters’ friendship and camaraderie that they have built over the years. The chemistry between the two friends also helps to develop Chucky and Deuce, proving why they trust each other and will go at lengths to protect and provide. While Chucky is the strong arm, Deuce provides the brains in setting up the jobs.
The scenes of the prison where there’s minimal security and the yard is used for fierce exercise gets very tense. With the mob bosses watching, a brutal fight scene takes place that looks very real thanks to the choreographer, make-up and close camera work. The prison quarters of Don Raymond are like a home away from home and the mafia Don uses it for meetings with inmates. Just as important, Gerry also gets special treatment as shown by his many liberties.
BLU-RAY / DVD / DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES
• Audio Commentary with director Tom DeNucci
• “Behind the Scenes of Vault†Featurette with Director and Writer Tom DeNucci, Co-writer and Composer B. Dolan, Producers Nick Koskoff, Chad Verdi, what I liked most about this feature is that you really get to see how the producers work on a film with the creation process. They all talk about the locations, cast choices, sets, music, wardrobe, make-up, working on accents, and even bringing a little comedy to the feature.
• “Deleted Scenes†includes ‘Gorilla in the Jungle’ and 2 ‘Van’ scenes that are cool.
Vault has been rated R by the MPAA for language throughout, violence, drug use and some sexuality/nudity. It’s a very brutal movie so be cautioned on that point. The less you know about the true story real robbery and the aftermath will give a more favorable show for the target audience. Plays best on larger TV screens in either format.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The production and acting are very good, and shows best on the larger TVs. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Theo Rossi, Clive Standen, Samira Wiley, Chazz Palminteri, Don Johnson, William Forsythe, Sean Ringgold, Vincent Pastore, Chuck Zito and Burt Young
Directed and co-written by: Tom DeNucci
Genre: Crime, Drama
MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, violence, drug use and some sexuality/nudity
Running Time: 1 hr. 39 min.
Video Release Date: August 13, 2019
Original Theatrical Release Date: June 14, 2019
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Blu-ray- DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, DVD- Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: 1080p Widescreen 16×9, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
Released on: Blu-ray, DVD