Edwin Boyd (Citizen Gangster) (2012)
Edwin Boyd (Citizen Gangster) Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Edwin "Eddie" Boyd
as Lenny Jackson
as Doreen Boyd
as Glover Boyd
as Val Kozak
as Detective Rhys
as Willy "The Clown" Jackson
as Mary Mitchell
as Ann Roberts
as War Vet
as Al
as Billy Boyd

as Carolyn Boyd

as Bank Teller (Robbery 1)

as Bank Manager (Robbery 1)

as Bank Teller (Robbery 3 4)

as Bank Manager (Robbery 3 4)

as Dutch

as Lorne Greene Receptionist
as Don Jail Reporter
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Critic Reviews for Edwin Boyd (Citizen Gangster)
All Critics (14) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (7) | Rotten (7)
Inspired by Boyd's story, rather than literally retelling it, the movie is less a gangster film than an existential allegory of choices and limitations.
Morlando has crafted a stylishly shot and evocatively designed period piece. But it's the dashing, quietly charismatic Speedman who proves the main draw, holding our attention even when the movie doesn't.

Morlando has chosen to approach this material not with witty cynicism, but with quiet, and at times leaden, sincerity.

A good-looking but passionless affair that remains stubbornly aloof from its audience.
Citizen Gangster hits its marks when it's exploding the character's larger-than-life status, aided in large part by Speedman's career-best turn.

As good as Citizen Gangster is, it would be even better if you could understand the dialogue.
Audience Reviews for Edwin Boyd (Citizen Gangster)
In "Citizen Gangster," Edwin Boyd(Scott Speedman) is a World War II veteran who works as a bus driver in Toronto. Dreaming of becoming an actor, he walks off the job one day. Now without the means to support his wife Doreen(Kelly Reilly) and two children, they must now rely on the generosity of his father(Brian Cox). At least, until Edwin decides to put some of his theatrical greasepaint and service revolver to use by robbing banks. "Citizen Gangster" is a prime example of a movie not being able to see the forest for the trees, as it is lovingly filmed in muted terms and contains a great deal of period detail. And then almost makes you wonder what the big deal is with this true life story whose biggest surprise is delivered in the postscript.(Saying "you had to have been there" does not count.) Plus, Scott Speedman does nobody any favors in the lead, as he is often overshadowed by the supporting cast, as this movie like many others in the past 20 years simply does not have enough Brian Cox to go around. At least, the story does have a valuable message to deliver, namely find a job you love. Just don't strand any passengers by the side of the road while you do.

Super Reviewer
Biodramas..love them! This was good. The movie is less about the facts, and more about the impact it had on the lives of those involved. While there is some violence in the movie, it is seriously downplayed for the benefit of making it more of a drama, than a shoot-em-up gangster movie. The outcome is surprising, and moving....
Super Reviewer
Citizen Gangster is the exciting true story of Edwin Boyd, Canada's greatest bank robber. Boyd was the John Dillinger of Canada, and he robbed several banks in Toronto. Edwin Boyd returned from active duty after WWII and after a string of bad luck, started robbing banks to support his family. Nathan Morlano directs his feature with Citizen Gangster and it is an engaging and thrilling movie that showcases Scott Speedman's talents. Speedman has acted in decent films in the past, but as Edwin Boyd, he delivers the greatest performance of his career thus far. Boyd's criminal career became Canadian folklore, and with this film we get to see this career criminal start out, almost like Dillinger did, from a small time robber, to a full time career criminal with a gang that would terrorize Toronto. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and if you love a good crime drama, then pick this one up. This is a terrific picture from first director Morlano and he covers Boyd's beginnings to his arrest, imprisonment, escape and other criminal exploits. As a Canadian, I wasn't aware of this interesting bit of history, and this movie definitely opened my eyes, and makes me want to know more about Edwin Boyd and his exploits. Although not perfect, Citizen Gangster is a well made picture that relies on great acting and a compelling true story to make for a worthwhile viewing. This is one of the best Canadian films that I have seen in quite some time, and though not on par with Dillinger, Public Enemies and Bonnie and Clyde, this picture still follows the great crime films that told the real life stories of legendary bank robbers. Citizen Gangster is not an action movie, but it still has plenty of human drama to make this one worth seeing. Scott Speedman made a wise choice to not accept a part in Underworld: Awakening to star in this movie and he really hones his craft as an actor. Citizen Gangster will surely appeal to cinema buffs that enjoy a good crime film to watch, and with Edwin Boyd's exploits expanded from Toronto all the way to Montreal, and he definitely was Canada's very own John Dillinger. Director Nathan Morlano has crafted a fine picture that is engaging from start to finish.

Super Reviewer
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