Set in 1971 London, “The Bank Job” explores the corruption and mystery behind the real-life Baker Street bank robbery where no arrests were made and no money was recovered.

As an “inspired by” tale, the robbery details might lean toward fairy-tale, but the situations and outcomes are true and intriguing.

Jason Statham (of “Transporter” fame) leads the pack in this slick, action heist movie about more than just a simple bank robbery gone awry. Terry Leather (Statham) is a professional criminal with his own stolen car enterprise and a torrid past with Martine Love (Saffron Burrows), the sexy lady who asks for his help with the robbery.

Statham has a little more depth in “The Bank Job” than in his previous shoot-’em-up action roles, as he shows emotion and humility balanced with the tough exterior.

Everyone has their own agenda in this caper, directed by Roger Donaldson in the same vein of his own “No Way Out” or “The Recruit.”

One side of the spectrum is the gang of robbers themselves, all wanting the thrill of a big-time heist and the loot to go along with it. The other aspect is Martine’s involvement with a government agent who needs the contents of a safety deposit box to discontinue ongoing blackmailing of the Royal Family.

The beginning of the movie is a little confusing with various story arcs and many characters, but it straightens itself out soon enough and becomes a twisted ride through the exploitation and shady dealings of the British government more so than the likable criminals.

The script from Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais (“Across the Universe”) won’t win any Oscars, but it has the perfect tone for this mix of crookedness and lighthearted amateur burglary.

Fast-paced editing and quick close-ups keep the movie in motion through all of the background and explanation and the amusing thievery, and the vast supporting cast does well with their realistic personas.