Stander (2004)

Serviceable true-crime drama about a South African cop who turns into a bank robber, possibly in protest of the racist apartheid policies he is expected to uphold or possibly just because he enjoys the thrill of it. Thomas Jane turns in a fairly effective understated performance -- as in all of his better work, his natural tendency towards stoicism is tempered by a sneaky wit that keeps him from getting too wooden. The second act, which is consumed mostly with the heists and what made Stander so effective a heist man, is the most compelling part (the first act suffers from a bit too much telescoping in its setup of Stander's psychology, and the third act flags in its adherence to biopic conventions). Also starring: Thomas Jane's buttocks and occasionally his penis as well.

Grade: B-