'Masterminds' Story Is So Crazy

Confession: I think about Ocean's Eleven a lot, more than any normal person probably should. I just love a good heist movie, compelled by the improbability of the mission and the unlikelihood that they'll pull it off and never get caught. And I especially love a good heist movie that's also based on a true story. And while Ocean's Eleven might not be based in reality, there are some heist movies that are: 21, Dog Day Afternoon, The Bank Job, and Public Enemies, just to name a few. And soon, another movie will be added to that list: the upcoming film Masterminds, which is based on a true story that's just as outrageous as the outfits the characters wear in the film.

Masterminds stars Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones —quite a group, huh? It centers around a bank robbery and all of the hijinks that ensue during its planning and execution, with Jones playing the FBI agent who's on the case and on their tail. With a cast like that, there is no doubt the movie is going to be nothing short of hilarious. But what has me most intrigued is the fact that the events that transpire in it, while most likely embellished for the film, are based on real events — they even keep the real names of the people.

As for the story itself, it occurred in October 1997, in Charlotte, North Carolina, when one of the largest cash heists in history was executed. David Scott Ghantt (Galifianakis) along with Kelly Campbell (Wiig) and her friend Steve Chambers (Wilson), as well as a few others, robbed the Loomis Fargo vault. But their crime was hardly perfect. According to Citizen-Times, the robbers left behind millions and were caught on camera. In addition, the whole reason the FBI honed in on them was because of their sudden lavish and extravagant spending. Additionally, Ghantt did not show up to work the next morning, putting his whereabouuts into question. Eventually, their crimes caught up to them, and they were captured by the FBI and charged with crimes; all were found guilty and were given sentences ranging from probation to jailtime.

For more details of the crime — how it came to fruition, the characters' mistakes, and their capture — you'll just have to see the movie. One thing is for sure — these criminals are no Ocean's Eleven.

Images: Giphy; Relativity Media