Watch The Opportunists

The Opportunists is a crime drama film from 1999 that focuses on the life of Victor Kelly, played by Christopher Walken, a former safe-cracker who has been trying to lead a lawful life. The film is set in a working-class area of Queens, New York, where Victor lives with his girlfriend, Sally Mahon (Cyndi Lauper), and her daughter. Victor is struggling to make ends meet as an auto mechanic, and he decides to contact his former partner-in-crime, Michael (Peter McDonald), to help him out of his financial predicament. Michael agrees to help Victor pull a heist on a nearby coin dealer, but things start to go wrong when one of their accomplices, a young man named Teddy, and Michael's nephew, arrive on the scene.

During the heist, Victor discovers that Michael has ulterior motives, and he is forced to come up with a plan to save himself from getting caught by the police. At the same time, he is trying to reconcile with his ex-wife, Sally's mother, and coming to terms with his past mistakes.

With its minimalist and gritty style, The Opportunists is a thoughtful meditation on the nature of redemption, the value of friendship, and the difficulties of carving out a new life after a life of crime. The film's director, Myles Connell, creates a palpable sense of foreboding and tension throughout, which sustains the movie's brisk pace and keeps the viewer engaged in the story.

Christopher Walken delivers a compelling performance as Victor Kelly, a complex and deeply flawed character who is torn between his desire for a clean slate and his loyalty to his former life. His interactions with Sally Mahon and her daughter are especially touching, highlighting his desire for a sense of familial connection that was missing in his life prior to the events of the film.

Peter McDonald's performance as Michael is equally nuanced, conveying a subtle blend of cunning and desperation that makes his character both sympathetic and dangerous. Cyndi Lauper is also excellent as Sally Mahon, adding a much-needed touch of humor and warmth to the film's otherwise stark portrayal of life on the fringes of society.

The Opportunists is not a perfect film, and some viewers may find its relatively low-key tone and lack of action scenes to be a drawback. However, for those who appreciate thoughtful and character-driven crime dramas, it is a hidden gem that is well worth seeking out. Anchored by strong performances and a deftly written script, The Opportunists is a movie that rewards repeat viewings and offers a powerful reminder that even those with a criminal past are capable of redemption.

The Opportunists is a 2000 comedy. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 71.