Satire is tricky, especially when a film’s subject is rife with common stereotypes and attitudes.  Logan Lucky attempts to balance on the fine line between presenting quirky characters in odd situations and making fun of them as they commit an unlikely heist.  For the most part Rebecca Blunt’s script works, and Steven Soderbergh’s direction accents the script’s unusual qualities.  I wasn’t sure it was jelling early on, but the film improves as its disparate elements converge and the heist occurs.

Soderbergh’s film presents the unlucky Logan siblings, Jimmy (Channing Tatum), Clyde (Adam Driver) and Mellie (Riley Keough), who are in various states of poverty and trouble.  An opportunity arises for Jimmy to cash in after being unfairly fired from his job at the Charlottesville Motor Speedway, so he recruits his siblings, and a few other necessary helpers, to help.  Then the timing suddenly shifts to the weekend of the big race and the stakes for everyone involved increase exponentially.

As a heist film, Logan Lucky is a hoot.  The basic plan is simple, yet plagued with all sorts of complications.  Too many things have to happen with specific timing for it to be believable, but it is fun to watch.  Everyone treats the heist as if it’s just another job, which allows the direction to focus on personalities and interactions.  In a brilliant bit of casting, Daniel Craig is cast as a redneck demolitions expert, Joe Bang, having to be liberated from prison for the job.  Craig has an inordinate amount of fun with the role, adding immeasurably to the story’s appeal.

This is one of those movies that probably needs multiple viewings to truly appreciate.  Frankly, I wasn’t sure what to think of it as it unfolded because it sometimes treats its characters as fools, then later shows them to be clever and creative.  However, I now believe that it is a future cult film, destined to be recognized for its amusing takes on Southern customs and interpersonal relationships, not to mention its racing motif (yes, that is Seth McFarlane as a driver important to the plot).  Time will be kind to this movie.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  19 October 2017.