Masterminds
Performance & Direction: Masterminds Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Masterminds (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Masterminds features a noteworthy lineup led by Zach Galifianakis . Supported by the likes of Owen Wilson and Kristen Wiig , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Masterminds
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Masterminds is a Action, Comedy, Crime film directed by Jared Hess. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Zach Galifianakis.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Jared Hess establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. A night guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Zach Galifianakis, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: Masterminds
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jared Hess, Masterminds attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Zach Galifianakis, 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Masterminds reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Masterminds Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Masterminds incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, comedy, crime film directed by Jared Hess, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Zach Galifianakis's character.
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: Masterminds adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Masterminds?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Masterminds
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $29.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Masterminds Budget
The estimated production budget for Masterminds is $25.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Masterminds
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Masterminds Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeMasterminds Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about Masterminds age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Masterminds is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, Masterminds is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Masterminds worth watching?
Masterminds is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Masterminds parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Masterminds identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Masterminds?
The total duration of Masterminds is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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Critic Reviews for Masterminds
**Man tends to do crazy stuffs for a woman, but stealing $17m is too crazy.** The film reminded me 'Pain & Gain', only for inspiring from the real and being the comedy flicks. Other than that there's nothing in common between them. I have been expecting a lot from Zack since 'The Hangover', but it was always the near missed opportunities. I'm not saying this was his much needed breakthrough, but quite enjoyable film. An honest man who worked long enough as a guard for a bank, was approached by his ex colleague and her men with an offer. Since he was madly in love with her, he could not say no to it, despite he already got engaged to another woman. As planned the heist goes on and once it was done, he was ditched and ratted out. Now on the run, how he responds to it and the following events decides his fate. Not a great comedy nor a heist film, but it had its moments. The casting was good and it was Zack's show. The rest of them were not into that much, except in the final act. Jason Sudeikis was a bonus. His appearance added more fun. Now I know why Jim Carrey opted out. Owen Wilson's part was not good enough in such a small role, he did good though. Watching it for timepass is fine or even for beyond that seems not a bad try. _7/10_
This on-again, off-again comedy should probably be funnier than it is but it suffers from the same plague inflicting many comedies today: relying too much on over-the-top, stupid bits.
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.
