The Real Thing
Seen it?1996 | 89 min | Crime, Action
Monday Morning Maybeearly ratingWhy it’s a Monday Morning Maybe
With almost no lasting buzz and soft box office, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- A natural pick for people who root for the clever crook and anyone drawn to the darker side of the street. Half the pleasure is trying to spot the trick before the reveal. Same wavelength as The Asphalt Jungle or Baby Driver.
- The mood
- Gritty.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 29 min. Short enough for a weeknight.
- What might put you off
- Skip it if you like your heroes clean-cut.
Their plan was simple...Get the Cash. As Rupert, an ex-con, tries to go straight, his younger brother James pursues a life of delinquency. Days after being released from jail, James is gunned down and lies waiting in a hospital for a liver transplant. In a desperate attempt to save his brother's life, Rupert decides to execute a heist at a downtown club on New Year's Eve that will give him the money he needs. Rupert assembles an eclectic crew of ex-cons, including his best friend and his ex-girlfriend. Rupert and his gang converge on the nightclub for a climax that spins out of control. New Year's Eve has never been so explosive!
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 3K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
The Asphalt Jungle
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed heist crime story.
The Getaway
Sunday Safe BetAnother heist action film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Baby Driver Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed heist action film.
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot
Saturday SpecialAnother heist crime story, and a Saturday Special.
Ocean's Eleven
Weeknight WatchAnother heist crime story, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by James Merendino
- James RussoRupert Little
- Jeremy PivenJohn
- Fabrizio BentivoglioAlfredo Donati
- Robert LaSardoEric Fidel
- Ashley LaurenceCarla
- Emily LloydLisa Tuttle
- Dave BuzzottaJames Little
- Rod SteigerVictor
- Patrick F. GallagherDexter (as Pat Gallagher)
- Esai MoralesCollin