Crime sometimes does pay

Reviewed by Samukele Manzini

Crime sometimes does pay. This is the general message presented by the movie How To Steal 2 Million.

The movie tells of a story of an ex-convict who was convicted of theft then later of murder that he committed while in jail through self-defence. Menzi Ngubane who plays the led role of Jack, an ex-convict released on parole. Jack tries by all means to stay on the good side of the law but struggles to get capital to start his own Transportation Business.

Jack is also portrayed as this bad guy changed to a good guy after serving some time in jail. Unfortunately he is caught up in the world of crime, deception, vengeance and lies. A failed business presentation leads to Jack turning to crime in order to raise some money to start his entity. His friend in crime, Twala, offers to help him raise the cash, the only way they know how; robbing. That’s when the 2 million heist plan starts rolling. Twala played by Rapulana Seiphemo is a character spoiled from birth by his father Julius Twala (legendary actor John Kani) who when he was fed up with him, told him; ‘If you want my help, help yourself.’ The consequences of these words are unbearable.

Directed by Charlie Vundla the offspring of Generations Executive Producer Mfundi Vundla, How To Steal 2 Million reflects the everyday happenings in Johannesburg, the nucleus of everything in the South Africa. His first project as an independent movie director came in 2009 with this movie, How to Steal 2 Million. Vundla who happens to be a journalist by profession is a native of New York City and graduated in film production program at the University of Southern California.

Crime and violence seems like the only language Jack knows and the only thing he uses to get what he wants. While for Olive acted by Terry Pheto, crime is her only source of money and she uses her beauty to charm her way to the big price.

How to steal 2 million does not necessary show viewers tricks or ways on how to steal money but shows people that thieves do not only rob big banks to get a million bucks or need a big plan to steal money. The movie does not attempt to answer the movie’s title because the title is not a question. Hence the title How to Steal 2 Million is a statement aimed at showing viewers THIS is how money gets stolen.

The aim was achieved, the storyline was almost a ten out of ten and the setting was excellent, a production by a 27 year old Charlie Vundla with a ‘dream cast’ that includes several seasoned actors and actresses. The movie did not disappoint and the actors and actresses brought their A-game to it and gave everything to make the movie a success. Most of the role players are sopie performers but this movie really showed their versatility and experience.