Coin Heist, written by Elisa Ludwig, is an enthralling young adult novel that was adapted into a film and released on Netflix in 2017.
The story revolves around four teenagers who, despite their different backgrounds, come together to pull off an ambitious heist.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore the book and film’s summaries, analyze the characters, and delve into the various aspects that make Coin Heist a captivating read and watch.
Coin Heist Book Summary and Analysis
The book begins with the introduction of our four main characters: Alice, Dakota, Benny, and Jason.
Each of them is dealing with their own set of problems, from family issues to the pressures of high school.
However, their lives take an unexpected turn when their prestigious private school, Haverford, faces a severe financial crisis.
The crisis is caused by the school’s principal, who happens to be Alice’s father, embezzling funds.
With their school’s reputation at stake and their futures hanging in the balance, the four teenagers come up with a daring plan to save Haverford.
They decide to break into the United States Mint in Philadelphia and print their own valuable coins.
Each of them brings a unique set of skills to the table, with Alice being a hacker, Dakota an expert in coin forging, Benny a skilled mechanic, and Jason a brilliant strategist.
Throughout the story, we see the characters grow as they learn to trust one another and work together to achieve a common goal.
Coin Heist is a thrilling and engaging adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, rooting for the main characters as they navigate the twists and turns of their heist.
Coin Heist Film Summary and Analysis
The film adaptation of Coin Heist follows the same basic premise as the book, with a few minor differences.
The movie follows the same four main characters as they hatch a plan to save their school by printing their own coins.
However, the film adds some additional layers of complexity, such as a romantic subplot between Alice and Jason.
Directed by Emily Hagins, the film expertly captures the essence of the book, creating a thrilling and fast-paced adventure.
The cinematography is visually appealing, and the performances of the young cast are commendable.
The film adaptation does an excellent job of maintaining the suspenseful and engaging nature of the book, making for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Coin Heist Cast and Characters: Who’s Who
The Coin Heist movie features a talented young cast who bring the book’s characters to life.
Let’s take a closer look at the main characters and the actors who portray them:
- Alice Drake (played by Alexis G. Zall): Alice is a skilled hacker and the daughter of the school principal who embezzles funds, causing the financial crisis at Haverford.
- Dakota Cunningham (played by Sasha Pieterse): Dakota is an expert in coin forging and brings her knowledge of metals and minting to the team.
- Benny (played by Jay Walker): Benny is the group’s mechanic, providing essential support for their heist.
- Jason Hodges (played by Alex Saxon): Jason is the mastermind behind the heist, using his strategic skills to plan and execute their daring plan.
Parent Guide: Is Coin Heist Suitable for All Ages?
Coin Heist, both the book and the film, is targeted at a young adult audience.
The story contains some mild language and themes, such as theft and criminal activities. However, there is no explicit content or graphic violence, making it suitable for viewers and readers aged 12 and above.
Parents should use their discretion when deciding if Coin Heist is appropriate for their child.
Coin Heist Timeline: When and Where It Takes Place
Coin Heist is set in present-day Philadelphia, where the United States Mint is located.
The story primarily takes place at the Haverford School and the Mint.
The timeline of the story is relatively short, spanning only a few weeks as the characters plan and execute their heist.
Exploring Coin Heist Film Locations
The Coin Heist film showcases several beautiful locations in and around Philadelphia. Some of the notable locations include:
- The Haverford School: The exterior shots of the school were filmed at Germantown Academy, a private school located in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.
- The United States Mint: The Mint scenes were filmed at the Community College of Philadelphia, where the crew recreated the Mint’s interior.
- The Franklin Institute: Some additional scenes were filmed at this famous science museum in Philadelphia, adding to the film’s authentic setting.
Memorable Quotes from Coin Heist
Coin Heist is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story and the characters. Here are a few standout quotes from both the book and the film:
- “Sometimes you have to break the rules to do what’s right.” – Jason Hodges
- “We’re not criminals. We’re artists.” – Dakota Cunningham
- “We are not ordinary. We are extraordinary.” – Alice Drake
- “You can take a chance on people, even if it’s not always the smartest thing to do.” – Benny
Where to watch ‘Coin Heist’ – streaming, download and DVD options
‘Coin Heist’ is currently available to stream on various online platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Netflix.
The movie is also available on DVD and Blu-ray; nice idea for a gift to a ‘Coin Heist’s fan.
The Soundtrack by Jeremy William Smith: A Musical Journey
The Coin Heist film features an original score composed by Jeremy William Smith.
The soundtrack adds depth and emotion to the story, enhancing the viewing experience. With its blend of electronic and orchestral elements, the score perfectly complements the film’s atmosphere and tone.
‘Coin Heist’ screenplay by Emily Hagins, analysis, and where to download it
Emily Hagins wrote the screenplay for Emily Hagins’s Coin Heist, doing an excellent job of bringing the story to life on the screen.
While there were some changes made to accommodate the format of a movie, the screenplay does a good job of capturing the essence of the story.
The screenplay is available for download online, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in screenwriting or movie-making.
The screenplay provides insight into Emily Hagins’s creative process and his approach to storytelling.
Coin Heist Curiosities and Trivia
- Coin Heist is the first feature film to be adapted from an Adaptive Studios novel. Adaptive Studios is a production company that acquires abandoned film projects and repurposes them into novels, comics, and other media.
- The film’s director, Emily Hagins, got her start in the film industry at a young age. She directed her first feature film, “Pathogen,” at just 12 years old.
- The Coin Heist movie features a cameo appearance by the book’s author, Elisa Ludwig, as a teacher.
Tips for Coin Heist Cosplay: Dress like Your Favorite Characters
If you’re a fan of Coin Heist and want to dress like your favorite characters, here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect cosplay look:
- Alice Drake: To dress like Alice, wear a casual and comfortable outfit, such as a hoodie, jeans, and sneakers. Add a pair of glasses and a laptop bag to complete the look.
- Dakota Cunningham: Channel Dakota’s artistic side with a boho-chic outfit, such as a flowy blouse, denim jacket, and a long skirt. Accessorize with a statement necklace and a pair of boots.
- Benny: To dress like Benny, opt for a mechanic-inspired outfit, such as a pair of coveralls or a shirt with rolled-up sleeves and jeans. Add a tool belt and a pair of work gloves to complete the look.
- Jason Hodges: For a Jason-inspired outfit, wear a casual button-up shirt, jeans, and a pair of sneakers. Complete the look with a backpack and a chess set.
Gadgets and collectibles related to ‘Coin Heist’
If you’re a fan of ‘Coin Heist’, there are several gadgets and collectibles that you may be interested in, such as action figures, posters, t-shirts, and other memorabilia.
These items make great gifts for fans of the book or movie.
Video Games Inspired by Coin Heist
Although there are no official video games based on Coin Heist, fans of the story can enjoy similar titles that involve heists and teamwork.
Some popular heist-themed video games include:
Coin Heist Ending Explained
The Coin Heist story comes to an exciting conclusion as the characters successfully pull off their daring plan, saving their school from financial ruin.
In the end, they learn valuable lessons about teamwork, trust, and standing up for what’s right.
The book and film have slightly different endings, with the film adding a romantic subplot resolution between Alice and Jason.
When does ‘Coin Heist 2’ come out ? Sequel updates
Given the huge success of ‘Coin Heist 2’, we are all waiting for the release date of the sequel or the announcement of a spin-off of the movie.
They do that about anything now, I don’t see why they wouldn’t do it about Coin Heist.
In recent months, some statements by Emily Hagins and Sasha Pieterse hint at an imminent date on the release of ‘Coin Heist 2’, and we will keep you updated as soon as we have a firm date.
While waiting for the official release of Coin Heist’ new chapter, you could relive the emotions and mood of the movie by reading the book ‘Coin Heist’ or Elisa Ludwig’s other books.
Spotlight on Director Emily Hagins
Emily Hagins is a talented young filmmaker who directed the Coin Heist movie.
She gained recognition for her first feature film, “Pathogen,” which she directed at the age of 12.
Since then, Hagins has directed several other films, including “My Sucky Teen Romance” and “Grow Up, Tony Phillips.” Coin Heist showcases her ability to create engaging and visually appealing films.
Films Similar to Coin Heist: Expand Your Watchlist
If you enjoyed Coin Heist, you might want to explore other films with similar themes and storylines. Some recommendations include:
- The Bling Ring (2013)
- Baby Driver (2017)
- The Italian Job (2003)
- The Great Train Robbery (1978)
Elisa Ludwig’s Other Books and Recommended Reads
In addition to Coin Heist, Elisa Ludwig has written several other young adult novels that you might enjoy:
If you’re looking for more young adult books with similar themes to Coin Heist, consider the following recommendations:
Conclusion
Coin Heist is a thrilling adventure that captivates readers and viewers alike.
With its engaging story, complex characters, and fascinating behind-the-scenes details, Coin Heist offers a unique and entertaining experience.
Whether you’re a fan of the book, the film, or both, this comprehensive guide has provided youwith a deeper understanding of the story’s themes, characters, and creative process. From exploring the film locations to discovering other books and films with similar themes, this article has offered a comprehensive look at all things Coin Heist.
As we conclude our journey through Coin Heist, we hope this guide has piqued your interest in the story and inspired you to explore similar books and films.
As Elisa Ludwig’s writing and Emily Hagins’ directing continue to gain recognition, we can only hope to see more exciting projects like Coin Heist in the future.
Thank you for joining us on this comprehensive journey through Coin Heist, and we hope to see you again soon for more in-depth analyses of your favorite books and films!
