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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Film

Masterminds (2016 film)

Masterminds is a 2016 American crime comedy film directed by Jared Hess.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Masterminds is a 2016 American crime comedy film directed by Jared Hess. It is based on the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery in North Carolina.

What it is

A comedic retelling of the 1997 Loomis Fargo heist, one of the largest in U.S. history. The film stars Zach Galifianakis as David Ghantt, an armored-car employee who gets caught up in the theft, alongside Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. It was released on September 30, 2016, and runs 1 hour 35 minutes with a PG-13 rating.

The real story

The film takes its inspiration from the real-life 1997 robbery of a Loomis Fargo facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. While the historical event involved an insider theft and subsequent double-crosses, Masterminds presents a heavily fictionalized and comedic version of the crime and its aftermath.

Cast and reception

The principal cast includes Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. Directed by Jared Hess and written by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, and Emily Spivey, the film received mixed reviews and grossed about $29.7 million worldwide. Canadian viewers can find it on streaming services like Paramount+ and Netflix, though availability may vary.

In short

  • Comedic take on the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery.
  • Stars Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, and Kristen Wiig.
  • Released September 30, 2016; PG-13 rating.
  • Grossed $29.7 million worldwide; mixed critical reception.
Canadian angle

Canadian readers may encounter the film through streaming services available in Canada, though availability can vary by region and time.

Quick questions

Who is in the Masterminds movie cast?
The main cast includes Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones.
Is Masterminds based on a true story?
Yes. It is based on the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery in North Carolina, one of the largest heists in U.S. history.
What is Masterminds rated?
It is rated PG-13 for language, crude and sexual humor, and violence.

Sources

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2461150/
    Supports: Release year, runtime, PG-13 rating, true-story basis, and current streaming note.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masterminds_(2016_film)
    Supports: Directed by Jared Hess, cast, release date, source material, and box-office gross.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/masterminds_2016
    Supports: Synopsis, rating, director, principal cast, and streaming availability.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/masterminds_2016/cast-and-crew
    Supports: Cast and crew listing for principal roles.
  5. Movie Insider — https://www.movieinsider.com/m10878/masterminds
    Supports: Plot description, source inspiration, and DVD/Blu-ray release timing.