Skills Like This (Sunday, December 6, 2009) (188)

This is a quirky and small comedy set in Denver (though, I guess it could be Boulder) about three post-college losers who hang out in a burrito bar. One day, out of seer boredom, the lead character, Max, decides to rob the bank across the street. Later that night at a party, he bumps into the bank teller he held up. She recognizes him, but rather than calling the cops, she takes him home so they can hook up. This sets him off on a petty-robbery binge, holding up bodegas and restaurants - not really to get rich, but almost as a gag and because it's more thrilling than his day-to-day life as a playwright.

The film is written by the lead actor playing Max, Spencer Berger. It has the youthful exuberance of a mumblecore story, but the production and direction, by Monty Miranda, is much more polished than anything from that camp.

I am impressed that the film is actually pretty funny, without being showy and in-your-face-ha-ha. The jokes are clever and on target and are generally not mean-spirited. It is rare these days to have a small comedy that knows it's small and does not have a cynical edge to it.

This is not a masterpiece or a particular work of art, but is enjoyable enough. It is easily missable, but is not bad if you decide to watch it.

Stars: 2 of 4