30 Second Bottom Line: An ex-convict safe cracker, who is a nice guy, tries to stay on the straight and narrow with his fledging auto repair shop. His writing of bad checks is about to result in the closing of his business and his aunt's eviction from a comfortable nursing home. When tempted by a relative from Ireland to do one more job, he succumbs to the call of duty.

Story Line: Victor (Christopher Walken) is having a tough time paying his bills, as evidenced by the fact he writes a lot of checks with NSF (non sufficient funds). The landlord for his auto body shop must have the money, or evict him. The kindly nun at the private Catholic home, is ready to arrange for the transfer of his aunt to a not so private facility, where guests sleep in a barracks like atmosphere. Victor's girlfriend, Sally (Cyndi Lauper), owns a bar that she is about to renovate. She has enough cash to get Victor out of his jam, but he is too proud to take it, as it would mean postponing the improvement to her business.

Along comes Michael (Peter McDonald), his alleged relative from Ireland, who reminds him of his prior success, with some failure, as a safe cracker. Two of Victor's drinking buddies are guards at a security firm that brings in a lot of cash. On one side they want him to perform a burglary, and on the other there is Michael, encouraging Victor to do "one more job".

Tell Me More About It: What makes "The Opportunists" special is that Victor is an everyday Joe, and not a thug or super slick guy, as in the average crime movie. There is a certain sadness in his eyes, even when things are going the way he wants, that makes us care about him. The law even gives him the benefit of the doubt, as the investigating detective takes his car to him for major repairs. As Victor and his friends prepare for the crime, Sally becomes despondent because she knows he's up to something, and that it will lead to his return to prison, and the end of a promising relationship. Choosing the right path is a decision that can come down almost to the flip of a coin. It's so easy to do the wrong thing, even when you know what is right.

The preparation work before the robbery is fascinating, and unlike the similar activities in "Gone in 60 Seconds", this seems real. Even though the plan is a good one, you don't know if it's going to work. Of course, things don't go quite as planned, and there is a great scene after the break in when Victor is looking at Michael.

"The Opportunists" is one of those good, but not great films, that elevates itself with an outstanding ending. I always like films that leave me with a smile on my face, even though I know it could not end that way…but then again, maybe it could.

Christopher Walken: "Sleepy Hollow"	Peter McDonald: "Captain Jack"
Cyndi Lauper: "Life With Mickey"
Myles Connell: "Homocide: Life on the Street" TV

Victor: Christopher Walken	Michael: Peter McDonald
Sally: Cyndi Lauper	Miriam: Vera Farmiga
Director: Myles Connell