James Marsters

This heist film is no gem

James Marsters is a thief who can’t resist the glitter of jewels in USA’s movie.

’Cool Money," the USA Network film premiering tonight at 9, is a cross between "Mission Impossible" and Court TV’s "Impossible Heist." It’s not as detailed as the Court TV series, nor is it nearly as exciting as "Mission."

One reason to watch it is to be amazed at how three thieves could pull a series of hotel robberies in New York that amounted to the largest jewel theft in American history.

However, one reason not to watch it is that it has little new to offer. If you’ve seen one hotel robbery, you’ve seen them all.

James Marsters plays Bobby Comfort, a thief since the age of 6. He’s married with two kids and has managed to get himself released from prison. He swears to his wife that he’s quitting the game.

His lifetime friend Phil, a beat cop, gets him a job in a Detroit laboratory, but living a clean life doesn’t last long.

A friend and accomplice (Robin Bule) knows a guy named Sammy (John Cassini) who’s been researching New York hotels. His plan appeals to Bobby, even if the flamboyant Sammy doesn’t.

And so the trio of thieves, one wearing a false nose, take the New York hotels by storm. One by one, they collect the contents of safe-deposit boxes, outsmarting New York’s finest.

Phil, meanwhile, keeps an eye on Bobby’s coming and goings, hoping he’ll go straight. But Bobby is driven by a need to score.

A funny sideline occurs when Bobby invites Sammy to Thanksgiving dinner. He brings one of the stolen diamond bracelets to Bobby’s mother as a gift. She thinks he’s a great guy.

Much later, however, when he needs some cash, he steals it back.

"Thanks for the Thanksgiving dinner," he shouts as he leaves.

Phil finally blows the whistle on Bobby and the game is up. But is it? There’s always another play left in the game.