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Crime drama

Heist 88 (2023): Cast & Ratings

Heist 88 (2023) movie poster

Heist 88 is a 2023 crime drama directed by Menhaj Huda, starring Keith David as Buddha Ray, Courtney B. Vance and Rebecca Spence. Critics gave it 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.3/10.

IMDb rating
5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
33%
Echo Score
63
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Heist 88 (2023) movie poster
Released
Director
Menhaj Huda
Genres
Crime , Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Heist 88 About?

The premise of Heist 88 without spoilers.

Facing imminent imprisonment, a resourceful criminal mastermind devises a final, ambitious plan. He assembles a team of unwitting bank employees to execute a daring heist targeting vulnerabilities within the U.S. banking system. The scheme aims to steal millions, but the risks are immense, and the clock is ticking relentlessly.

Heist 88 Themes & Keywords

· 13 tags
  • wire transfer
  • house music
  • heist
  • criminal mastermind
  • bank heist
  • bank robbery
  • bank employee
  • chicago illinois
  • bypassed for a job promotion
  • usurer
  • geneva switzerland
  • airport
+1 more
  • based on true story
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Cast & crew

Heist 88 Cast & Characters

Keith David leads the cast as Buddha Ray, with Courtney B. Vance as Jeremy Horne and Rebecca Spence as Harriet Weinstock. Directed by Menhaj Huda; 20 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Menhaj Huda

More films directed by Menhaj Huda: Harry and Meghan: Escaping the Palace, The Neighbor in the Window, Very Valentine and Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal.

Full filmography
Ratings

Heist 88 Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Heist 88 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in rewatch factor (70) and weakest in sensory experience (55).

63 /100

Heist 88 Echo Score Breakdown

Heist 88 elicits a mixed response, with commendation for its lead performance and surprising narrative twists offset by criticisms of uneven direction and a clunky execution. Critics highlight a lack of cinematic ambition and pacing issues, while many viewers appreciate the true‑story basis and Vance's presence. The film therefore lands in a moderate range, reflecting both its notable strengths and its considerable flaws.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film shows sporadic competence but many flaws. Critics describe the production as “sloppily put together” and note a “cursory” approach to backstory, while a single review calls it tidy and economical. Viewers echo this split, noting surprising low‑budget execution yet also calling it cheap. The net impression is that the art and craft are uneven, leaning toward the lower side.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When it comes to character work, the lead actor receives consistent praise, with multiple reviewers citing Vance’s compelling presence. Some critics, however, label the ensemble as clunky and the performances as strained. Audience comments range from “good actress” to “exceptional leadership,” balancing against remarks about stretched backstories. Overall, the character dimension is modestly positive, driven primarily by the strength of the central performance.

  • Story & Flow 68

    The story’s originality and pacing generate divergent opinions. Critics criticize the plot as dry, drab, and lost in its moral framing, while a positive review notes a tidy, forward‑moving structure. Viewers frequently highlight an unexpected twist, fresh perspective, and engaging true‑story basis, though a few mention inconsistent pacing and an ambiguous ending. The aggregate sentiment suggests a generally engaging narrative tempered by structural weaknesses.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    Sensory elements receive limited attention, with critics noting a lack of visual innovation and no explicit comment on sound design. Audience feedback does not mention soundtrack or stylistic flair, implying an unremarkable sensory experience. The combined assessments point to a modest, serviceable sensory presentation that does not notably elevate or detract from the film.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch value is viewed positively by many viewers, who recommend the film for its shocking ending, conversational aftertaste, and strong lead performance. Some users, however, describe the movie as clunky and pace‑inconsistent, which could deter repeat viewings. Critics do not address rewatchability directly. The prevailing sentiment is that the film holds enough intrigue to merit a second look, reflected in a higher score.

Videos

Heist 88 Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer and 2 clips.

Official Trailer
  • Clip "The System Needs to be Tested" Official Clip
  • Clip "Help Me Rob The First National Bank of Chicago" Official Clip
Details

Heist 88 Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Kup 88” and “سرقت ۸۸”.

Also known as
  • Kup 88
  • سرقت ۸۸
  • Le casse de 88
  • Skok z 1988
  • Atraco 88
  • Velika pljačka 88
  • 88年劫案
  • Ограбление 88
  • Apiplėšimas 88
  • 시카고 하이스트
  • Bankrablás 88
  • שוד 88
+5 more
  • Обирът от 88-ма
  • Atacul 88
  • O Roubo de 88
  • Пограбування 88
  • 88 Soygunu

Seen Heist 88?

FAQ

Heist 88 FAQ: Cast, Release Date & Director

Release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Heist 88, each answered in a sentence.

When was Heist 88 released?

Heist 88 was released on September 29, 2023.

Who directed Heist 88?

Heist 88 was directed by Menhaj Huda.

More films by Menhaj Huda

Who is in the cast of Heist 88?

Heist 88 stars Keith David as Buddha Ray, Courtney B. Vance as Jeremy Horne and Rebecca Spence as Harriet Weinstock, among 20 credited actors.

How is Heist 88 rated?

Heist 88 has 5.3/10 on IMDb, 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67% on TMDB and 2.4/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Heist 88 have a post-credit scene?

No. Heist 88 has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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