Such a frustrating disappointment

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Roger (Christopher Walken) is a security guard in a museum who spends the day in front of the painting 'The Lonely Maiden' which he admires. He knows so much about the painting he can give an in depth talk about it to the museum visitors. When he is bored he daydreams of saving the museums from armed crooks which is a scene that the film opens with.The rest of the film is underwhelming and low key as Roger finds out that museum is selling its collection to a museum in Denmark. Two other security guards Charles (Morgan Freeman) and George (William H Macy) are just as upset at this decision as they too have a favourite object of beauty at the museum. Moving to Denmark is not a viable option.They decide to steal their favourite pieces and replace it with a copy but it is easier said than done. George who claims to be ex military and who also likes to be naked has the more difficult task when it comes to making the switch.The film is amiable but also forgettable and at times it is just unexciting before it becomes more tense at the latter part of the picture. It is more a light comedy than drama but I could not help thinking that all three leads have made better heist films before such as Walken in The Anderson Tapes and Macy in Welcome to Collinwood.

I can't believe this comedy went right to DVD. When I think of some of the garbage the big studios put out and call comedy, I'm appalled that "The Maiden Heist" did not have a theatrical release. However, I believe the production company went bankrupt.The films stars Morgan Freeman, Christopher Walken, William H. Macy, and Marcia Gay Harden. Freeman, Walken, and Macy are museum guards. Each over time has become attached to a particular work of art. For Roger (Walken), it's The Lonely Maiden; for Charles (Freeman), it's a portrait of a woman with cats; and for George (Macy) it's the sculpture of an athlete which so consumes him that each time he sees it (thankfully as he's guarding at night) he strips off his clothes and copies the pose.When the three learn that these pieces are all going to Denmark, they devise a plan to switch them with copies. Since they've studied these works and know every subtlety, nothing passes muster, and it takes a while to get everything assembled. Then they volunteer to help pack and take the art to the airport. In a subplot, Roger's annoying wife (Harden) wants to take a trip to Florida, and because of her big mouth, Roger almost doesn't get to be part of the packing-switching. On the actual day of the job, there are some unexpected occurrences.Very funny, fresh comedy with outstanding performances by everyone but Harden, an excellent actress but here, she is over the top. WAY over. She may very well have been directed that way, but that New York accent was overdone. In one of the last scenes in the van, however, she is absolutely hysterical reacting to what she thinks is a surprise planned by Roger.A wonderful movie, a warm film about friendship, and a passion for art among everyday guys. The movie has two endings; you'll think it's over but there's a little more. I really loved it.

Of course it was no :Lion in Winter, but it was funny, lighthearted and had 4 good actors in it. If you are a fan of any of them you won't be disappointed. I was surfing and just happened to come across it. Cute and a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. I am sorry some others have taken such a negative view. It does not pretend to be a serious drama, and I am sure Walken, Freeman, Harden and Macy had a great time making it. It plays to characters they have all played.....and there is no blood or gore. I did enjoy the 'getting ready" scenes they played really well..and so what if the background is not what you expected..it is still worth the time..

This movie shows way too much of William H. Macy's buttocks. I might have rated this movie higher if we could have gotten an equal amount of Marcia Gay Harden's buttocks. As naggy as she was I'll bet she's fine to see without clothes...like a naked maiden. Macy is always good, otherwise. Morgan Freeman's role was refreshing as a meek, sensitive artist rather than his typical avuncular guy. Christopher Walken is always good but I missed his straight up big hair that he sports on talk shows -- probably not appropriate for this role. Jeremy Lipking's painting, "The Lonely Maiden", grew on me. I'm not the most knowledgeable art apprecianado but it is a piece like this that opens up the mind. I hope it is on its way to terre classique.