The Art of the Steal

  • 2013
  • R
  • 90m
movieMx RATING
6.2/10600
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Art of the Steal Review

Last updated: February 8, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 8, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Art of the Steal (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Art of the Steal features a noteworthy lineup led by Kurt Russell . Supported by the likes of Matt Dillon and Jay Baruchel , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Art of the Steal (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Art of the Steal stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Art of the Steal

Quick Plot Summary: The Art of the Steal is a Comedy, Crime film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Crunch Calhoun, a third-rate motorcycle daredevil and part-time art thief, teams up with his snaky brother to steal one of the most valuable books in the world. But it's not just about the book for Crunch — he's keen to rewrite some chapters of his own past as well. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.

Ending Explained: The Art of the Steal

Ending Breakdown: The Art of the Steal concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Art of the Steal reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

The Art of the Steal Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

The Art of the Steal incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a comedy, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: The Art of the Steal adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch The Art of the Steal?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want some laughs and light entertainment

Box Office Collection: The Art of the Steal

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $64.1K
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT
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Top Cast: The Art of the Steal

All Cast & Crew →
Kurt Russell
Kurt RussellCrunch Calhoun
Matt Dillon
Matt DillonNicky Calhoun
Kenneth Welsh
Kenneth Welsh'Uncle' Paddy MacCarthy
Jason Jones
Jason JonesInterpol Agent Bick
Terence Stamp
Terence StampSamuel Winter
Stephen McHattie
Stephen McHattieDirty Ernie
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Where to Watch The Art of the Steal Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

Sony Pictures Amazon ChannelSony Pictures Amazon Channel

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

The Art of the Steal Parents Guide & Age Rating

2013 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Art of the Steal age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Art of the Steal is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Art of the Steal is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Art of the Steal is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Art of the Steal. Rating: 6.2/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Art of the Steal worth watching?

The Art of the Steal is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Art of the Steal parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Art of the Steal identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Art of the Steal?

The total duration of The Art of the Steal is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.

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How The Art of the Steal Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Art of the Steal

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.2
The Art of the Steal
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