Bandit is a fun, stylish, and surprisingly heartfelt crime comedy-drama based on the real-life story of Gilbert Galvan Jr., better known as “The Flying Bandit.”
Directed by Allan Ungar, the film stars Josh Duhamel in a charismatic leading role as Gilbert “Gib” Galvan, a career criminal who escaped from prison in the United States and reinvented himself in Canada. Between 1984 and 1992, Gib robbed over 59 banks across Canada without ever firing a shot or seriously harming anyone — earning him a reputation as one of the most polite and successful bank robbers in Canadian history.
What makes the story so entertaining is Gib’s charm and cleverness. He uses disguises, fake identities, and a friendly demeanor to pull off heists, all while building a seemingly normal life with his girlfriend (played by Melisa S. McCarthy). The film perfectly balances humor, romance, and light tension, showing both the thrill of the crimes and the emotional toll they eventually take.
Key Highlights:
- Josh Duhamel delivers one of his most likable and energetic performances, making you root for the charming criminal.
- Strong supporting cast including Mel Gibson as a shady criminal contact.
- The movie captures the 1980s–90s Canadian setting with great attention to detail and a fun retro soundtrack.
Bandit is not your typical dark crime drama. It’s light-hearted, fast-paced, and surprisingly uplifting, focusing more on the personality and adventures of the robber than on violence.
If you enjoy true-crime stories with a comedic twist like Catch Me If You Can, The Sting, or The Gentleman, Bandit is an enjoyable watch.
Have you seen Bandit on Netflix? What did you think of Josh Duhamel’s performance as the “Flying Bandit”?
