Masterminds

Masterminds

Year: 1997

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: English

Director: Roger Christian

AdventureActionComedyThriller

A teenage one‑man army who never gets a hall pass, he channels his rebellious spirit and love of elaborate pranks into a daring battle of wits. When a security consultant seizes control of his prestigious private school and holds the students hostage, the teen uses his cunning tricks to outsmart the intruder and rescue his classmates.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Masterminds (1997)

Trace every key event in Masterminds (1997) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Training and vault infiltration

In March 1997, Loomis Fargo & Co. staff train for the heist, though the process is awkward and unpolished. David Ghantt is used to enter Loomis' vault and load the entire money supply into the company van. Before leaving, he pockets three CCTV tapes, but he misses one.

March 1997 Loomis Fargo & Co facility, Jacksonville
2

The heist aftermath: Steve pockets most cash

The robbery is completed and David loads the money into the van. Steve Chambers skims the vast majority of the loot, taking around $17 million for himself. David flees to Mexico with only about $20,000 in cash, beginning the long, elusive getaway.

The day after the robbery Jacksonville
3

FBI spots David, but Steve remains hidden

FBI Special Agent Scanlon and her partner identify David Ghantt as the prime suspect in the Loomis heist. They have little clue about Steve Chambers' involvement, focusing their investigation on Ghantt alone. Steve stays under the radar as the case unfolds.

Shortly after the heist Jacksonville
4

David in Mexico; cover blown

David reaches Mexico and calls Kelly to explain what happened. He learns Steve's name from the ID in a wallet Kelly gave him, which makes his cover more vulnerable. Steve hires Michael McKinney to track David down.

Shortly after escaping to Mexico Mexico
5

McKinney closes in; failed shot

Michael McKinney locates David and attempts to shoot him. The gun backfires, and David escapes, kicking off a tense pursuit. The hunt intensifies as both men race to outmaneuver each other.

Following the initial pursuit Mexico
6

An unlikely alliance forms

In the chaos, McKinney hesitates to kill David after reading a birth certificate that makes him wonder about their shared names. The moment of hesitation evolves into an uneasy friendship as they realize they might be more alike than enemies. They decide to work, in a way, toward their own interests.

During the chase Mexico (hotel room)
7

David pressures Steve; Kelly is attacked

David threatens to surrender to Interpol if Steve does not wire $6 million within two days. Meanwhile, Kelly is attacked by Jandice, who has learned of her involvement, and is kidnapped by Steve's two friends to force David's surrender.

Two days before rescue attempt Mexico
8

Airport plan and ticket swap

At the airport, David meets McKinney again and notices Kelly's name on McKinney's hand, realizing she is Steve's next victim. They switch tickets so David can go to South America to rescue her, complicating Steve's plans. Interpol agents close in as the situation escalates.

Moment of flight transition Airport in Mexico/transition to U.S.
9

Interrogated at Steve's party

Steve hosts a lavish party as the FBI tries to wire a guest for a confession. David sneaks in to rescue Kelly, and they escape in Steve's BMW, but crash at the gate. Steve attacks David, and their confrontation highlights the high-stakes clash between the conspirators.

During the party scene Steve's mansion
10

Mastermind revealed

In the confrontation, David realizes Steve masterminded the entire robbery. He tricks Steve into admitting his role while undercover FBI agents listening nearby confirm the confession. The moment seals Steve's culpability and sets the stage for the fallout.

Climax Steve's mansion / nearby FBI van
11

Consequence and loot mystery

David is sentenced to seven years in prison, while Steve serves eleven. About $2 million from the loot remains unaccounted for, highlighting the caper’s unresolved financial trail. The case closes with unresolved questions about the full extent of the theft.

Immediately after capture Courtroom / prison
12

Release and reunion

When David is released, McKinney meets him at the prison and they drive to visit Kelly. The trio's fragile bonds endure as they plan to move forward after the chaotic chain of events. The film ends with a glimmer of hope for their lives beyond the heist.

After prison release Prison, road trip to visit Kelly

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:31

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Masterminds

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