[yasr_overall_rating]
A chronicle of the life of furniture salesman turned bank robber Eddie Dodson.
According to the director of “Electric Slide,” this movie was to be a celebration of Eddie Dodson’s life and not a gritty crime documentary. With that in mind, “Electric Slide” is not a fast paced crime movie. Rather, it’s a piece that reflects the “Beautiful People” of the 80s party mentality and recklessness. This is the story of Eddie Dodson (Jim Sturgess), loosely based on a true story, and his record breaking bank robberies. Eddie is a sketchy character whose fondness for drugs has landed him in a lot of debt with the bank and his loan shark buddies.
He forages a superficial relationship with his lover, Pauline (Isabel Lucas), and the two formulate a plan to rob banks. Actually, it’s more of Eddie’s idea since Pauline seems to be in a drug induced trance most of the time. It is understood that Eddie needs money and in movies like this, where I want to root for the underdog, I just can’t seem to seem to get emotionally invested in Eddie. He would have been a more likable character had he possessed the charisma of the actual Eddie Dodson. Instead, he comes across as a subdued slime ball regardless of his impeccable fashion sense.
The movie isn’t spectacular but it does have some interesting and mildly intense scenes such as his last couple of robberies. The movie has a stellar cast that could have achieved a stronger tribute to Eddie. If you enjoy a peek into the 80s, the time period is reflected flawlessly. Overall the movie does not capture greatness but it does reveal a bit of Eddie Dodson where I can appreciate and understand his actions and motives.
In theaters & On Demand April 3rd
