Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation

InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Usamah Harvey The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Sanjeev Waters A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

jmaruyama Maeda Tetsu's latest effort "Yoki Na Gang Ga Chikyuu O Mawasu" is as bright and cheerful as the name suggests. Based on Isaka Kotaro's 2003 novel, this heist/comedy reminds me a lot of George Roy Hill's "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", another film which centered around the exploits of a group of unconventional "gentleman" bandits.Set in an unnamed metropolis (Tokyo?) in modern day Japan, this eclectic band of thieves comprise of Kyono (a likable bar owner with a knack for philosophical gab), Yukiko (a stunning driving school instructor with impeccable timing and racecar driving skills), Kuon (a high school student who is also an accomplished pickpocket) and Naruse (a civil servant who is a "human lie detector). Brought together by a love of "romantic" adventure, they make a name for themselves as flamboyant and strangely entertaining bank robbers who rob not by blunt force but through disarming style and charm.Unfortunately, this notoriety brings some unwanted attention in the form of a rival gang who wants a piece of the action. By threatening the life of Yukiko's young boy, they force the "Cheerful Gang" to perform a series of bank robberies for them.Part "Bonnie & Clyde" and "Lupin The Third" with a bit of "Usual Suspects" thrown in for good measure, "Cheerful Gang" is a fun heist flick with a fast style similar to Guy Ritchie's "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" but without the violence and shock.The cast is likable and entertaining with Osawa Takao (Sky High;Aragami) and Suzuki Kyoko (Godzilla vs. Biolante; Otoko Tachi No Yamato) being particularly great. Sato Koichi (Makai Tensho '03; Shin Jingi Naki Tatakai '00; Rasen) makes another fun performance in his role as the thief/philosopher Kyono.I found the story to be a little weak in many respects. As mentioned, Maeda borrows a lot from other caper films without bringing anything new to the genre mix except for the stylistic flourishes (which are indeed fun). While the cast of characters are likable, they aren't particularly interesting or memorable as people. Except for Kyoko, we hardly know much about them as characters outside of their jobs, personalities and unique skills.Some may also tire of the non-linear structure of the movie, the slow-mo "bullet-time" and anime-like CG effects along with the silly comedy. The movie does not seem to be grounded in reality and is more like a psychedelic, flashy world were the laws of physics don't seem to apply.While nowhere near as good as similarly themed movies like "Ocean's Eleven", "Cheerful Gang" does get the job done but I would have wanted a movie with a bit more of a story and perhaps less flash.

Gigo_Satana Another heist comedy from Japan, this one based on a novel, circling on a cunning foursome that likes to rob banks. Though it's not really made clear what drove them there, they all share the same passion. The youngest is Kuon, who is a master pickpocket with a desire to go off to Mexico. Naruse is a soft-spoken figure who can detect if people are telling a truth or a lie. Kyono is a philosopher of sorts who likes to marinate the bank captives with entertaining speeches while the rest take care of the cash. Their driver is played by the stunning Kyoko Suzuki, who's character has a precise biological clock inside her, in other words she's a time nut.After successfully stealing enough load to possibly retire, they themselves become victims of a robbery, but other motives soon come to light. The film starts out at a fast pace and what the characters say doesn't quite disappoint, however the middle becomes inevitably duller as the story tries to aimlessly bide time before the finale, which unintentionally resembles a poor man's spoof of Usual Suspects with even poorer villain in place of Keyser Soze.I know that lightheartedness and fun of this film was already glowing in its title, but I'm growing tired of recent comedies that settle for less and have nothing new to offer. It was not a film that necessarily made me cringe, but I don't get why the directors in Japan can't put as much effort into comedies as they do into other genres. If I had to recommend something in place of this film, it would be Sabu's Hold Up Down, which offers a similar theme with more physical gags and clever characters.So with CGI-ed car chases, a fun cast (whatever that really means) and a harmlessly twist-less ending, this movie will still manage to cater to some fans, but not without disappointing a few along the way.