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Editorial Reviews
Based on the true story of Edwin Boyd, the man who became postwar Toronto's most famous criminal, CITIZEN GANGSTER is a powerful tale of one man's rise from obscurity to criminal celebrity and the dangerous price he pays for it. Eddie Boyd (Scott Speedman, The Moth Diaries, The Strangers), has returned from WWII and is dismayed by public indifference towards veterans and humiliated by his inability to fulfill his dream of being a Hollywood star. Moreover, his veteran status has done nothing to help him provide for his children and wife Doreen (Kelly Reilly, Sherlock Holmes). Seeing only disappointment in the face of his policeman father (Brian Cox, Zodiac), Eddie becomes desperate and starts to rob banks. But what starts as friendly and flirtatious robberies evolves over time into a career not unlike that of Clyde Barrow or Butch Cassidy, in which crime and love mix with explosive results.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A True-Life Canadian Caper Featuring The Emergence Of The Notorious Celebrity Criminal Edwin Boyd
August 25, 2012
Format:DVD
Without knowing much about Nathan Morlando's "Citizen Gangster," I imagined it was going to be a mob oriented film. Perhaps the more apt title might have been "Citizen Bankrobber" as the movie charts the story of Edwin Boyd, a dashing criminal who made a name for himself (as notorious as it may be) in postwar Toronto. A family man and veteran struggling to make ends me, Boyd embarked on a series of daring robberies that initiated a massive manhunt. As he proceeded, he became increasingly flamboyant and epitomized the concept of the charming celebrity criminal. He's not painted as a particularly bad man, but the desperation that fuels his early decisions soon gives way to an unequivocal embracing of the spotlight. He starts to believe his own hype, refusing to veer from his new persona. Anyone that watches their fair share of true life crime will find little that is new or revelatory in this classic and oft-told story. But besides feeling a bit familiar, "Citizen Gangster" is a well acted and well made endeavor that should appeal to anyone interested in the genre or the case in particular.
Scott Speedman plays the title role, and his easy charm really works in this presentation. The story follows the period in his life when Boyd first makes the decision to be an outlaw, through acts of increasing bravado, to his many encounters with the law, to prison escapes, to forming a team of robbers, to the ultimate conclusion. While I won't reveal the particulars of what happens to Boyd (for those who aren't familiar with the tale), I will say stick around for the written synopsis at the finale of the film that updates the character arcs. You might be quite surprised by one of these revelations, it actually puts the entire film into a slightly new light. The movie is really reliant on Speedman and your identification with him, this is one of his more full-bodied performances. Aside from the criminal spree, the most dramatic aspect of the movie is in Speedman's evolving relationship with his family. And these scenes are nicely handled and quietly affecting.
Aside from Speedman, Kelly Reilly makes an impact as his wife. In addition, the actors that comprise his new criminal band add a lively unpredictability to the proceedings. Brian Cox is featured as Speedman's disapproving father (an ex-cop, no less) and while it's always great to see this tremendous actor--he doesn't have a whole lot to do here. I wanted a bit more emphasis on the other side of the equation, like the police investigation angle. But little insight is provided into anything other that the robberies and criminals themselves. From the technical stand-point, the dialogue can be a bit muffled (in an uneven soundtrack) and it's easy to miss whispered conversations and anything bombarded with music. So you have to be attentive to catch everything. And on a visual level, the movie has a washed-out color palette that really accentuates the bleakness and grittiness of the tale (even colors like pink and blue often feel gray). I won't contend that "Citizen Gangster" is necessarily an unmissable crime epic. It is, however, solidly constructed and entertaining. About 3 1/2 stars, I'll round up for the charismatic Speedman. KGHarris, 8/12.
Scott Speedman plays the title role, and his easy charm really works in this presentation. The story follows the period in his life when Boyd first makes the decision to be an outlaw, through acts of increasing bravado, to his many encounters with the law, to prison escapes, to forming a team of robbers, to the ultimate conclusion. While I won't reveal the particulars of what happens to Boyd (for those who aren't familiar with the tale), I will say stick around for the written synopsis at the finale of the film that updates the character arcs. You might be quite surprised by one of these revelations, it actually puts the entire film into a slightly new light. The movie is really reliant on Speedman and your identification with him, this is one of his more full-bodied performances. Aside from the criminal spree, the most dramatic aspect of the movie is in Speedman's evolving relationship with his family. And these scenes are nicely handled and quietly affecting.
Aside from Speedman, Kelly Reilly makes an impact as his wife. In addition, the actors that comprise his new criminal band add a lively unpredictability to the proceedings. Brian Cox is featured as Speedman's disapproving father (an ex-cop, no less) and while it's always great to see this tremendous actor--he doesn't have a whole lot to do here. I wanted a bit more emphasis on the other side of the equation, like the police investigation angle. But little insight is provided into anything other that the robberies and criminals themselves. From the technical stand-point, the dialogue can be a bit muffled (in an uneven soundtrack) and it's easy to miss whispered conversations and anything bombarded with music. So you have to be attentive to catch everything. And on a visual level, the movie has a washed-out color palette that really accentuates the bleakness and grittiness of the tale (even colors like pink and blue often feel gray). I won't contend that "Citizen Gangster" is necessarily an unmissable crime epic. It is, however, solidly constructed and entertaining. About 3 1/2 stars, I'll round up for the charismatic Speedman. KGHarris, 8/12.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
A lot like "Public Enemies" in the story, and pacing. Good movie but very long and drawn out but worth seeing. I say B-
June 15, 2012
By Tony Heck
Format:DVD
"Your dreams, you made them ours. I believed you. I didn't think it would be like this Eddie." Eddie Boyd (Speedman) is living day to day as a bus driver trying to provide for his family. When a rider boards his bus one day he rethinks his life. With his house facing foreclosure and barely being able to scrape by he goes to a director in hopes of becoming a movie star. When all else fails he resorts to robbing banks. I knew very little about this going in and was actually surprised when I found out that this was a true story. This movie is very very similar to "Public Enemies" in story and pacing. While this was a good movie that is worth watching it is feels very long and drawn out. Speedman does a pretty good job in this as well as most of the other cast. The only real problem I had with this was the same I had with "Public Enemies". I felt it hard to stay focused on it the entire time and was losing interest off and on. This is not a bad movie but be prepared for it. Overall, as close to a remake of "Public Enemies" you can get. Good, but long. I give it a B-.
Format:Amazon Instant Video|Amazon Verified Purchase
It's not Public Enemies but it's not a dull movie either Scott Speedman did a good job watch and see for yourself, I am not going to get in depth about the film it starts off slow but gets good during the middle and there after.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
19.99
y cant see the movies. is damage.y want see, please.im sorry, talk a little english. you can give me a free product, thank you evelyn rodriguez
Published 2 months ago by evelyn rodriguez
3.0 out of 5 stars
I got in to this
It was interesting movie, and This movie was a rent. the story was ok, the acting was good. but this true story they are stupid
Published 5 months ago by Jason
5.0 out of 5 stars
theater quality!!!
this is such a great period piece movie. based on a true story of a man who only wanted the best for his family, so he finds the answer in robbing banks. Read more
Published 6 months ago by chino
3.0 out of 5 stars
Well done, but never quite "great"
Citizen Gangster follows real-life figure Edwin Boyd (Scott Speedman) as he transitions from bus driver to theatrical bank robber. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Noelle Eiram
