Reality Check: Former Criminals and Investigators Rate Crime Portrayals in Film and TV

Realism Ratings by Former Criminals and Investigators in Movies and TV Shows

In a unique perspective on realism in media portrayals of crime, former criminals and investigators offer their insights into the accuracy of various crime scenes depicted in popular movies and television shows. These individuals bring their firsthand knowledge and experiences to critique the authenticity of criminal techniques and organizational structures portrayed on screen.

Lee Thompson — Pickpocketing Expert Lee Thompson, a seasoned pickpocket who collaborated with UK authorities on awareness campaigns, evaluates the portrayal of pickpocketing in "Ocean's Eleven" and "Killing Eve". Known for his dexterity in the field, Thompson assesses the techniques used by characters like Matt Damon's in "Ocean's Eleven" and Sandra Oh's in "Killing Eve" for their realism and feasibility.

John Pennisi — Former Lucchese Crime Family Member John Pennisi, once a part of the Lucchese crime family and later an FBI informant, provides insights into the authenticity of mob life as depicted in "The Sopranos" and "The Godfather". His unique perspective sheds light on the accuracy of interpersonal dynamics, organizational hierarchies, and criminal operations portrayed in these iconic portrayals of organized crime.

Cain Vincent Dyer — Reformed Bank Robber Cain Vincent Dyer, who turned from a prolific bank robber to a motivational speaker, critiques the bank robbery scenes in "Money Heist" and "The Dark Knight". Drawing from his extensive experience, Dyer evaluates the tactics, security measures, and feasibility of the heists depicted in these popular productions.

Charlie Santore — Safecracking Specialist Charlie Santore, a professional safecracker and locksmith, offers his expertise on safecracking scenes in "The Italian Job" and "Ant-Man". His evaluation focuses on the technical accuracy of the methods portrayed by characters played by Mark Wahlberg and Paul Rudd, respectively, in these action-packed heist films.

Mark Silverman — Former Irish Mob Associate Mark Silverman, previously associated with the Irish mob in Boston, rates the authenticity of Irish mob scenes in films such as "The Departed", "The Town", and "Black Mass". His insights provide a critical examination of the portrayal of criminal operations, loyalties, and conflicts within the Irish mob genre.

Brian Stanton — Casino Executive and Security Expert Brian Stanton, a seasoned casino executive with expertise in table games security, analyzes art and diamond heist scenes in "The Hangover" and "Casino". His evaluation focuses on the plausibility of heist tactics and the portrayal of casino security measures in these iconic films.

Octave Durham and Arthur Brand — Art and Casino Heist Critics Octave Durham, a former thief, and Arthur Brand, an art detective, collaborate to assess the realism of casino heist scenes in "Black Panther" and "Ocean's 8". Their combined expertise in theft and art recovery offers a comprehensive evaluation of the strategic planning and execution depicted in these cinematic heists.

Tatsuya Shindo — Former Yakuza Member Tatsuya Shindo, a pastor who spent 15 years in the yakuza, provides insights into the portrayal of yakuza operations in "Avengers: Endgame" and "Deadpool 2". His critique focuses on the accuracy of yakuza culture, traditions, and criminal activities as depicted in these blockbuster films.

These individuals' evaluations provide a fascinating glimpse into how media representations of crime align with reality, offering both praise for accurate portrayals and criticism where fictional liberties are taken. Their unique perspectives, drawn from personal experience and professional insights, enrich discussions on the intersection of entertainment and real-world crime.

Original article:

Former criminals and investigators rate crimes in movies and television shows for realism.

Lee Thompson, a master pickpocket who has worked with the UK police and Revenue and Customs in public-awareness campaigns about pickpocketing, rates pickpocketing techniques in "Ocean's Eleven," starring Matt Damon, and "Killing Eve," starring Sandra Oh.

John Pennisi is a former made member of the Lucchese crime family who, after feeling he was betrayed by the family, cooperated with the FBI and became a government witness. Pennisi rates "The Sopranos," starring James Gandolfini, and "The Godfather," starring Al Pacino and Marlon Brando.

Cain Vincent Dyer is a motivational speaker and a former bank robber. He says he robbed over 100 banks across California between 1999 and 2001 before turning himself in, pleading guilty to six robberies, and serving nine years in prison. He rates bank-robbery scenes in "Money Heist" and "The Dark Knight."

Charlie Santore, a professional safecracker and locksmith, rates safecracking scenes in "The Italian Job," starring Mark Wahlberg, and "Ant-Man," starring Paul Rudd.

Mark Silverman, formerly associated with the Irish mob in Boston, rates Irish mob scenes in "The Departed," starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon; "The Town," starring Ben Affleck; and "Black Mass," starring Johnny Depp.

Brian Stanton, a casino executive and table-games-security expert, rates art- and diamond-heist scenes in "The Hangover," starring Zach Galifianakis, and "Casino," starring Robert De Niro.

Octave Durham, a former thief, and Arthur Brand, an art detective, rate casino-heist scenes in "Black Panther," starring Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan, and "Ocean's 8," starring Sandra Bullock.

Tatsuya Shindo, a pastor who was in the yakuza for 15 years, rates yakuza scenes in "Avengers: Endgame" and "Deadpool 2," starring Ryan Reynolds.

https://www.facebook.com/EntertainmentInsider