Wasn't nearly as clever or funny or fun as say trading places.
No real message or theme. But it was dumb cute fun with good actors. Automatic 6. Only not giving it higher cuz it wasn't very funny and nothing happened that was especially memorable But worth a watch just cuz. Love Kelsey grammar and his British wife from episodes. She's just hilarious and Fun always.
21 Reviews
Light, nonsensical, just watching Kelsey Grammer run is worth it!
info-9070117 October 2021
Nothing profound, not deep, just fun to watch, and had the Director mixed the sound better, would have been more fun. But they allow the music to play so loudly over the voices in too many people, that you miss what was said and it is more than annoying! Dialog should not be competing with music people! Please stop it. We should not have to struggle to understand what has been said. What is the point?
It is fun, that's all. If you really try to critique it, it becomes more work than watching it. It's primary value is to counter the dread of the daily news, and it does that well.
It is fun, that's all. If you really try to critique it, it becomes more work than watching it. It's primary value is to counter the dread of the daily news, and it does that well.
"Breaking The Bank" - A Comedic Exploration of English Tradition and Financial Folly
doyler7931 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In "Breaking The Bank," a narrative rich in quaint English customs and archaic class distinctions unfurls, casting Kelsey Grammar as the perfect embodiment of Sir Charles Bunbury's bumbling and fortuitous ascent to the chairmanship of Tuftons bank. His marriage to Penelope, portrayed with caustic brilliance by Tamsin Greig, underscores the film's core theme - the paradoxical limitations imposed on her due to her gender within a society that deems her fit for such a significant role.
Set against the backdrop of Tuftons' precarious standing in the financial landscape, the plot takes a gripping turn as the smarmy American entrepreneur Richard Grinding, played with appropriate flair by John Michael Higgins, seeks to orchestrate a takeover. Simultaneously, an honorable Japanese bank, under the leadership of Nakamura (Togo Igawa), presents a compelling alternative.
The heart of the narrative unfurls as Charles, buoyed by his slick trader confidant Nick (Matthew Horne), makes a risky investment in oil stocks as a bid to alleviate the bank's mounting pressures. Unsurprisingly, this reckless move precipitates a chain of financial catastrophes, culminating in Charles' ousting from the bank and the estrangement of his wife Penelope, who inadvertently incurs losses due to his ill-fated actions. Even their daughter Annabel (Sonya Cassidy) distances herself from the family's wealth.
Charles, grappling with despair, contemplates ending his life but is unexpectedly interrupted by Oscar (Pearce Quigley), a vagrant whose eccentricity draws him into an unlikely friendship. In Charles' absence, Richard takes control of Tuftons and initiates a charm offensive to persuade Penelope to join him, albeit at the cost of her shares in the bank.
Kelsey Grammar's portrayal of the inept Sir Charles, who stumbles into privilege, is a testament to the film's charm. Tamsin Greig, as Penelope, commands attention with her sharp wit, particularly in her exchanges with the conniving Richard Grinding. John Michael Higgins' performance strikes the right balance between charm and hamminess. Pearce Quigley, as Oscar, introduces an intriguing contrast with his unpredictable blend of vagrancy and moments of remarkable clarity.
These pivotal characters anchor the film, bolstered by a skilled ensemble cast and a narrative that is both engaging and accessible. "Breaking The Bank" offers a well-paced and impeccably acted comedy, delivering an enjoyable cinematic experience well worth the investment of a hundred minutes, earning a commendable rating of 6 out of 10.
Set against the backdrop of Tuftons' precarious standing in the financial landscape, the plot takes a gripping turn as the smarmy American entrepreneur Richard Grinding, played with appropriate flair by John Michael Higgins, seeks to orchestrate a takeover. Simultaneously, an honorable Japanese bank, under the leadership of Nakamura (Togo Igawa), presents a compelling alternative.
The heart of the narrative unfurls as Charles, buoyed by his slick trader confidant Nick (Matthew Horne), makes a risky investment in oil stocks as a bid to alleviate the bank's mounting pressures. Unsurprisingly, this reckless move precipitates a chain of financial catastrophes, culminating in Charles' ousting from the bank and the estrangement of his wife Penelope, who inadvertently incurs losses due to his ill-fated actions. Even their daughter Annabel (Sonya Cassidy) distances herself from the family's wealth.
Charles, grappling with despair, contemplates ending his life but is unexpectedly interrupted by Oscar (Pearce Quigley), a vagrant whose eccentricity draws him into an unlikely friendship. In Charles' absence, Richard takes control of Tuftons and initiates a charm offensive to persuade Penelope to join him, albeit at the cost of her shares in the bank.
Kelsey Grammar's portrayal of the inept Sir Charles, who stumbles into privilege, is a testament to the film's charm. Tamsin Greig, as Penelope, commands attention with her sharp wit, particularly in her exchanges with the conniving Richard Grinding. John Michael Higgins' performance strikes the right balance between charm and hamminess. Pearce Quigley, as Oscar, introduces an intriguing contrast with his unpredictable blend of vagrancy and moments of remarkable clarity.
These pivotal characters anchor the film, bolstered by a skilled ensemble cast and a narrative that is both engaging and accessible. "Breaking The Bank" offers a well-paced and impeccably acted comedy, delivering an enjoyable cinematic experience well worth the investment of a hundred minutes, earning a commendable rating of 6 out of 10.
Lame Comedy
larrys38 August 2016
Sorry to say, I found this movie to be a terribly lame comedy, which didn't work for me on any level.
Kelsey Grammar stars as Charles Bunbury, a dullard of a bank chairman, whose wife Penelope (Tamsin Greig) is the principal shareholder of the 200-year-old venerable institution, and whose family has passed down control of the bank from one generation to the next.
When Charles is set-up to pour an enormous amount of the bank's and Penelope's money into a worthless investment, it will set off a chain of events that will lead to ruination for many. I won't bore you the rest of the plot details other than to say they get more and more absurd and nonsensical. For me, it became a slog to watch it to the end, all the way to its predictable conclusion.
Overall, I thought the comedic elements in this film just fell "flat as a pancake", and I would suggest trying something else.
Kelsey Grammar stars as Charles Bunbury, a dullard of a bank chairman, whose wife Penelope (Tamsin Greig) is the principal shareholder of the 200-year-old venerable institution, and whose family has passed down control of the bank from one generation to the next.
When Charles is set-up to pour an enormous amount of the bank's and Penelope's money into a worthless investment, it will set off a chain of events that will lead to ruination for many. I won't bore you the rest of the plot details other than to say they get more and more absurd and nonsensical. For me, it became a slog to watch it to the end, all the way to its predictable conclusion.
Overall, I thought the comedic elements in this film just fell "flat as a pancake", and I would suggest trying something else.
Three stars for the cast, none for the writing
whynotgoglobal13 April 2020
A glance at the cast list of Breaking the Bank raises expectations. There's a huge amount of comic talent here, but good actors need a good script, and they don't have one. Plot and characterisation are hackneyed. Pearce Quigley's turn as a wise homeless man is a particularly unwelcome cliche, and Mathew Horne's investment banker is as one-note as an electric drill. If Vadim Jean wanted to make a comedy that exposed the absurdity and irresponsibility that led to to financial crisis of 2008, there was merit in the idea and a big target to aim at. Unfortunately he missed it by a mile. Good actors are often reduced to trotting out well-worn one-liners that might have come straight from a Google search for jokes for a best man to make at a wedding. Just as disappointingly, the expositional dialogue designed to show us the workings of the financial world sounds as if it was lifted from Wikipedia. Vadim Jean remains a talented director but on this evidence he's lost his ear for dialogue. Three stars for a cast that work hard and do their best with terrible material.
Dire !
jencliff7 June 2016
I saw a private preview of this film with some friends. In my opinion we all thought this was one of the worst films we'd ever seen ! Kelsey Grammar, what possessed you, with all your millions and your outstanding comic performances in Frasier to appear in this Z film ? Beyond me ! We had to stay until the end of the film as obviously as an invited audience one could not leave, when the credits came up I looked round and my friend was already at the exit ! When I saw the plug for this film on The Graham Norton Show that this film had actually been released I was in shock ! A vague memory of the plot escapes me, the main thing was watching Kelsy Grammar in a really cringeworthy film.
A truly dire film.
A truly dire film.
What's with all the negative reviews ?
mailitme-5351914 January 2020
I suspect all the negative reviews are by those who simply can't appreciate or comprehend how the city and its traders operate - and machinations of the goings on as exemplified this movie. This movie shows the city workings pretty well... albeit with some exaggeration. It was clever and it was quite believable... it showed exactly how companies prosper and fail because those that hold the stock, whether owners or short term traders can make or break a company.
Broken. Just broken.
studioAT26 July 2016
After all his years on 'Cheers' and 'Frasier' you'd think that Kelsey Grammar would know a good script from a bad one. Obviously not because he has popped up in this poor film, that after a very brief cinema outing has gone straight to DVD here in the UK.
And quite rightly so. Grammar may be the best thing in it by a mile, but come on, this is as weak as it gets. The plot is daft, the jokes silly - I think I lasted about half an hour and then gave up.
What is quite funny though is the 'making of' documentary, in which the writer and producer seem to be of the belief that they've come up with a British comedy that will rival the output of Richard Curtis and the Ealing comedies of days gone by. Sorry fellas, you weren't even close.
I can see why Grammar wants to make it on the big screen, but this isn't the film in which he'll do it.
And quite rightly so. Grammar may be the best thing in it by a mile, but come on, this is as weak as it gets. The plot is daft, the jokes silly - I think I lasted about half an hour and then gave up.
What is quite funny though is the 'making of' documentary, in which the writer and producer seem to be of the belief that they've come up with a British comedy that will rival the output of Richard Curtis and the Ealing comedies of days gone by. Sorry fellas, you weren't even close.
I can see why Grammar wants to make it on the big screen, but this isn't the film in which he'll do it.
A Gentle Family Comedy
filmsbyq2 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Due to quaint English customs and archaic class rules, Sir Charles Bunbury (Kelsey Grammar), by dint of marriage to the only would be heir of Tuftons bank, Penelope (a wonderfully caustic Tamsin Greig) who cannot take on the role, because she is a woman, is chairman of Tuftons bank.
Having literally married into money, Charles has not the slightest inkling as to what he is supposed to do as chairman, nor how banking works. Though a stable institution, Tuftons is seen as ripe for a takeover by smarmy US businessman Richard Grinding (John Michael Higgins) and there is also interest from an honourable Japanese bank, led by the ambitious Nakamura (Togo Igawa).
When Charles supposed right hand man, the slick trader Nick (Matthew Horne) advises him to invest in 'a sure thing' oil stock, Charles, seeing an easy way to ease pressure on the bank and himself, ignores caution and better advise from the quantitative analyst Graham (Danny Morgan) and goes ahead, buying heavily. Unsurprisingly, things do not go well. Not only does he break the bank, but in trying to impress his long suffering wife with his banking acumen, he manages to lose her money as well. Charles finds himself not only ousted from the bank, but his now estranged wife, throws him out. Their daughter, Annabel (Sonya Cassidy), who has turned her bank on her family wealth and lives in a squat with her boyfriend Twig (Gabriel Freilich), does not want anything to do with him either.
Seeing no point in going on, Charles stands on the wall of the Embankment, looking to the Thames river, ready to end his life. He is interrupted by Oscar (Pearce Quigley), a vagrant, who points out that him committing suicide in that area would be bad for his 'patch'. Not completely committed to ending his life at that moment, Charles and Oscar become friends.
In Charles' absence, Richard, having taken control of Tuftons, makes moves on Penelope. With a full on charm offensive, he tries to persuade her to join him in a capacity at the bank, the price of her joining would be her shares in the bank, thus giving him the controlling interest. Learning of Richard's plan, Charles determines to not only thwart his plan, but also to regain control of the bank and his life.
Breaking The Bank is a nicely paced and well acted comedy. Kelsey Grammar as the bumbling Sir Charles is perfectly cast, believable as the inept chairman, who somehow lucked his way into a privileged life. Tamsin Greig as Penelope gets most of the best lines in the film, especially at the expense of the scheming Richard Grinding, whom John Michael Higgins keeps the right side of hammy. An ever reliable comedic actor, she manages to combine anger, apathy, disdain and fear, whilst still staying on the right side of funny. Pearce Quigley, as Oscar, is the other prominent character in the film, the down-on-his-luck vagrant, whose sharp mind is obscured by muddle ranting of claims to have invented the most random of things.
This threesome make up the heart of the film, ably supported by a great cast and easy to follow story. Breaking The Bank is an enjoyable romp worth one hundred minutes of your time.
Having literally married into money, Charles has not the slightest inkling as to what he is supposed to do as chairman, nor how banking works. Though a stable institution, Tuftons is seen as ripe for a takeover by smarmy US businessman Richard Grinding (John Michael Higgins) and there is also interest from an honourable Japanese bank, led by the ambitious Nakamura (Togo Igawa).
When Charles supposed right hand man, the slick trader Nick (Matthew Horne) advises him to invest in 'a sure thing' oil stock, Charles, seeing an easy way to ease pressure on the bank and himself, ignores caution and better advise from the quantitative analyst Graham (Danny Morgan) and goes ahead, buying heavily. Unsurprisingly, things do not go well. Not only does he break the bank, but in trying to impress his long suffering wife with his banking acumen, he manages to lose her money as well. Charles finds himself not only ousted from the bank, but his now estranged wife, throws him out. Their daughter, Annabel (Sonya Cassidy), who has turned her bank on her family wealth and lives in a squat with her boyfriend Twig (Gabriel Freilich), does not want anything to do with him either.
Seeing no point in going on, Charles stands on the wall of the Embankment, looking to the Thames river, ready to end his life. He is interrupted by Oscar (Pearce Quigley), a vagrant, who points out that him committing suicide in that area would be bad for his 'patch'. Not completely committed to ending his life at that moment, Charles and Oscar become friends.
In Charles' absence, Richard, having taken control of Tuftons, makes moves on Penelope. With a full on charm offensive, he tries to persuade her to join him in a capacity at the bank, the price of her joining would be her shares in the bank, thus giving him the controlling interest. Learning of Richard's plan, Charles determines to not only thwart his plan, but also to regain control of the bank and his life.
Breaking The Bank is a nicely paced and well acted comedy. Kelsey Grammar as the bumbling Sir Charles is perfectly cast, believable as the inept chairman, who somehow lucked his way into a privileged life. Tamsin Greig as Penelope gets most of the best lines in the film, especially at the expense of the scheming Richard Grinding, whom John Michael Higgins keeps the right side of hammy. An ever reliable comedic actor, she manages to combine anger, apathy, disdain and fear, whilst still staying on the right side of funny. Pearce Quigley, as Oscar, is the other prominent character in the film, the down-on-his-luck vagrant, whose sharp mind is obscured by muddle ranting of claims to have invented the most random of things.
This threesome make up the heart of the film, ably supported by a great cast and easy to follow story. Breaking The Bank is an enjoyable romp worth one hundred minutes of your time.
Oh dear!!
beresfordjd27 July 2017
Kelsey Grammar is, to my mind, a genius of a comic actor. This is based , of course, on his bravura performance on what was possibly the best ever sitcom - Frasier. However he just does not seem to work on the big screen. Breaking the Bank is awful in almost every respect. The combination of American and English humour just does not work. The cast of the movie are seasoned performers with good work in their CV's but this film is not a good addition to them. Tamsin Grieg, Matthew Horne can be great but seem to be phoning it in here. Kelsey Grammar is the best thing in the film but with such a lousy script he is given little chance to show what he can do. Kelsey seems bound to be tied to the small screen - Cheers, Frasier and Boss were all successful ventures - Frasier is legendary, but his large screen outings seem all to have been failures, apart from his Toy Story voiceovers.
Loved it even more the second time
randyfreemire22 June 2020
Thought it was a fun, whimsical English frolic the first time, and was impressed with Kelsey. Then I saw Boss, him as a Chicago mayor- my god this man has acting chops, his character was downright frightening, something I've rarely experienced (don't care to for that matter), but it convinced me all the more about what this man was capable of.
Upon watching Breaking the Bank for a second time I could better see and appreciate all the little touches and flair he added to the role. Was charmed by Tamsin Greig as well, re-enforcing English and female stereotypes, but in a very fun way.
Was very surprised to see the 4.8 IMBD rating. What??? I'm an American with an appreciation for British humor. The only crock was that a no-nothing was invested with that kind of power, and of course, that his Japanese friend and he were able to get back in the drivers seat so easily.
But what the hell, other than the usual Hollywood sleight of hand to make the story go 'round, I really enjoyed the daughters role in bringing her dad to a more compassionate place, and his final speech was just brilliant. Of course this was made in 2012, so the shenanigans of wall street were fresh in everyones mind.
Upon watching Breaking the Bank for a second time I could better see and appreciate all the little touches and flair he added to the role. Was charmed by Tamsin Greig as well, re-enforcing English and female stereotypes, but in a very fun way.
Was very surprised to see the 4.8 IMBD rating. What??? I'm an American with an appreciation for British humor. The only crock was that a no-nothing was invested with that kind of power, and of course, that his Japanese friend and he were able to get back in the drivers seat so easily.
But what the hell, other than the usual Hollywood sleight of hand to make the story go 'round, I really enjoyed the daughters role in bringing her dad to a more compassionate place, and his final speech was just brilliant. Of course this was made in 2012, so the shenanigans of wall street were fresh in everyones mind.
Credit where credit is due
zo-7483810 August 2020
This is a funny send-up of British banking and capitalism in general. There were many laugh-out-loud moments. I recognised many of the prime banking locations in London. This film is much better than the 1 out of 10 crowd say.
Just relax, watch it, and enjoy yourself.
Just relax, watch it, and enjoy yourself.
Say It Ain't So, Kelsey!
brian-theduke14 January 2020
OMG What happened? Did you owe someone in Hollywood a film no matter how bad the script was?
Curse those multi-film contracts!
Couldn't even finish the film, had to put Frazier reruns on to remind me of Mr. Grammars greatness.
Absolutely Aweful
JetFlyinSOAG6 September 2019
This film is not one of those you can stick on after dinner and enjoy, it's so terrible you can't even sleep to it. I have to say it's probably one of the worst films I have ever seen. It's a wonder how they got the cast to do it
Bad Grammar
kenosull-113722 December 2020
What was Kelsey Grammar thinking when he signed up to be in this turkey? How the mighty have fallen. From Cheers and Frasier to this tenth rate Trading Places tribute act. There's no doubting the stellar nature of the cast but considering the awful script (and Kelsey's strangled British accent), they must be seriously considering getting new agents. Honestly, this horror show has almost nothing going for it, the single saving grace being Pearse Quigley as the eccentric tramp Oscar. Even the music and the end credit slide show lack charm. Avoid this train wreck even out of curiosity.
Missing the mark a bit...
Franklie20 December 2020
"Hasn't it ever occurred to you why husbands die before their wives?"
classicsoncall24 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Following a fairly accurate description on how the 2008 financial crisis came about, this picture tries to demonstrate what the scheming banks that bundled worthless paper did back then and come up with a different outcome. That folks, is pretty much the definition of insanity.
For this viewer, the picture collapsed right after pretend banker Charles Burbury (Kelsey Grammer) made that disastrous purchase of two hundred million shares of Nurgistan Gas. Rival companies, in their quest to win control over Burbury's Tuftons Bank, involved themselves in convoluted schemes that leave one in the dust in regard to their machinations. It would be hard to follow the story line even if you were a financial wizard or a hedge fund manager. Too bad, because the cast seemed up to the task, but the plot descended into the murky waters of short selling and corporate intrigue.
Even so, a couple of one-liner gems came out of this picture that were memorable. I liked Charles Burbury's definition of working 24/7 - twenty four hours a week, seven months a year! And the following quote offers good advice for anyone undergoing a rough patch in their own lives - "If you're going through hell, keep going!" I'm going to use that one. Probably both.
For this viewer, the picture collapsed right after pretend banker Charles Burbury (Kelsey Grammer) made that disastrous purchase of two hundred million shares of Nurgistan Gas. Rival companies, in their quest to win control over Burbury's Tuftons Bank, involved themselves in convoluted schemes that leave one in the dust in regard to their machinations. It would be hard to follow the story line even if you were a financial wizard or a hedge fund manager. Too bad, because the cast seemed up to the task, but the plot descended into the murky waters of short selling and corporate intrigue.
Even so, a couple of one-liner gems came out of this picture that were memorable. I liked Charles Burbury's definition of working 24/7 - twenty four hours a week, seven months a year! And the following quote offers good advice for anyone undergoing a rough patch in their own lives - "If you're going through hell, keep going!" I'm going to use that one. Probably both.
silly. bank farce.
ksf-226 March 2022
Kelsey grammer is charles bunbury, the incompetent president of a very old but broke bank. Grinding (john higgins... better known for best in show!) wants to buy it. As do others. Can he sell it before the truth comes out about its poor financial condition? Or before his wife finds out how bad things are? In the meantime, charles is out on the street, and must learn how to survive. Some funny bits, where a bank exec not only brings his lunch in a lunchbox, but even has a note from mom with his lunch. Can his daughter, or maybe his homeless friend help him get his wife back? It's a bankroom farce! It's mostly fun.... moves a little slow. Many similarities to trading places, from 1983. Film directed by vadim jean. Story by roger devlin. Kind of.
I want dinner and I want to spend all your money
nogodnomasters15 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Charles (Kelsey Grammar) is the figure head of Tufton Bank, a prestigious British bank filled with tradition. He inherited the position from his father-in-law. He surrounds himself with knowledgeable people. His daughter Annabel (Sonya Cassidy) is a staunch anti-capitalist who lives with "freegans" people who live out of dumpsters. His wife Penelope (Tamsin Greig) is controlling. Charles remarks to his wife, "I'm trying to forget my mistakes. No sense in two of us remembering the same thing." Because of a combination of the real estate bubble and bad trades, Charles causes the bank to go into the red as his wife is unforgiving and he contemplates ending it all. His ledger is "nothing right on the left and nothing left on the right." At this point the formula of dry humor that worked do well changes as the film enters into a combination of "Life Stinks" and the more familiar "Trading Places." What was unfortunate was that they were able to come up with good one-liners and a cast who were great at delivery, but resorted to a silly formula ending that felt rushed and confused.
Guide: No swearing. Implied sex. No nudity.
Guide: No swearing. Implied sex. No nudity.
Funny and enjoyable
rosalindsmith-8503618 July 2021
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