You know something’s up, and a tad wacky, from the opening moments of “Lucky Louie,” the comedy-drama written and directed by Bethlehem native Daniel Roebuck and his daughter Grace Roebuck, and produced by Daniel Roebuck and his wife Tammy Roebuck, who edited the movie.

Four men in black ski masks ease on down an alley, cramped into a bronze four-door Chevrolet Corvair circa 1964. Yes, that’s the compact car that consumer-advocate Ralph Nader dubbed “Unsafe at Any Speed” in his 1965 book. The Corvair is not exactly the best choice for a getaway car in a bank heist that soon gets underway.

And yet, that’s the wink, wink, nudge, nudge, whimsy that informs ”Lucky Louie,” an entertaining comedy that will surely steal your heart.

The movie-goer is immediately bemused and pulled into the hijinks as the 1972 bank robbery unfolds and is examined over the course of the funny and inspirational movie, with a surprising outcome based on a great plot twist. No spoilers here.

The bank robbery we see at the movie’s outset is the recurring dream of Wilbert Moser (Basil Hoffman), a retired police officer who recounts his dream to the Bible study group he leads at a local luncheonette.

The group of ex-convicts that Moser had arrested and is mentoring includes Hitch (Daniel Roebuck), Payton (Duane Whitaker), Pete (Willard E. Pugh) and Lincoln (Patrick Voss Davis).

Arriving on the scene is Alex D’Ambrosio (Madelyn Dundon), a college student studying forensic psychology. She chose the bank job, which became a 50-year legend, as her thesis topic.

The scope of the stickup has never been determined, nor has the $350,000 that the bank robbers stole been recovered.

The story follows Alex as she makes like Nancy Drew and sleuths her way through witnesses, including the former bank manager turned boondocks recluse (Bill George).

Meanwhile, Hitch has his faith put to the test, and he is counseled by his minister, Pastor Mimi (Stephanie Zimbalist).

Daniel Roebuck (director, “Getting Grace,” 2017) and Grace Roebuck have directed a solid film from a clever screenplay that they co-wrote. The movie has moments of humor, insight and drama. Plus, the directors have gotten fine performances from the cast.

Daniel Roebuck (“The Munsters,” 2022; “Getting Grace,” 2017; ”River’s Edge,” 1986; TV’s “The Man in the High Castle,” 2015-2016; “Nash Bridges,” 1996-2000; “Matlock,” 1992-1995), portrays an easy-going character as Hitch, dispensing wisdom and chuckles.

Roebuck has some satisfying scenes with Stephanie Zimbalist, who, as Pastor Mimi, has a cheerful, understanding and forgiving countenance.

Basil Hoffman is a treasure as Wilbert. His face, with sorrowful eyes that rival those of the great Buster Keaton, is quietly expressive. His voice is resonant and, in the movie’s big reveal (No spoilers. Go see the film.), he has a commanding presence that is compelling and delightful.

Bill George, co-founder of Touchstone Theatre, Bethlehem, is memorable in a key role (again, no spoilers) and is riveting.

The breakout star of “Lucky Louie” is Madelyn Dundon (“Getting Grace”). Dundon has a no-nonsense charm as Alex, who knows a good crime scene when she sees one. Dundon has some cute scenes with Patrick Voss Davis, who as Lincoln drives one of the film’s love interests.

The cast includes Timothy E. Goodwin (Barney, the luncheonette owner); Angelo Maldonado Jr. (Huey, one of the henchmen), Dave Alspach (Roger, the bank robber who didn’t get away), Lance August (Detective Clay), Kathy Patterson (Sarah Finn), Valynn Turkovich (Sister Alice), Marsha Dietlein (Beth) and Donnamarie Davis (Church Parishioner).

Extras include Lehigh Valley actors and residents. Those behind the scenes include casting by Beth Clausnitzer and Rod Gilkeson.

The cinematography by Dan Hertzog (“Emerson Heights,” 2020) is excellent throughout.

The editing by Tammy Roebuck is crisp and precise, with at least one jump scare.

Production Design is by Kathe Duba-Barnett, Set Decoration is by Alexander Morales and Kristin Wettstein, Costume Design is by Kristin Hanssel. Makeup Artist is Bethany Carlisle.

The bright and chipper score is by Alex Kovacs (Primetime Emmy Award nominee, “McMillions,” 2020).

“Lucky Louie” is a fun time at the movies. It’s a quality film that can hold its own with big-budget Hollywood blockbusters.

It’s a movie that shows how a larcenous heart can be turned around by faith. Luck has nothing to do with it. And that’s the charm of “Lucky Louie.” Don’t miss it.

“Lucky Louie,”

MPAA rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested: Some material may not be suitable for children. May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.) for mild thematic elements, language, and brief violence; Genre: Family, Comedy, Drama; Run Time: 1 hour, 52 minutes. Distributed by A Channel of Peace.

Credit Readers Anonymous:

“Lucky Louie” is one of the last feature film roles of Basil Hoffman (Jan. 18, 1938 - Sept. 17, 2021). Members of the Moravian University Big Band perform on the “Lucky Louie” soundtrack. “Lucky Louie” was filmed in the Lehigh Valley. How many locations can you recognize? Drone footage is by Scott Nagy.

At The Movies:

“Lucky Louie” was seen at the April 22 premiere at the Roxy Theatre, Northampton, where the 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. screenings were sold out.

Theatrical Movie Domestic Box Office,

April 28 - April 30: “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” made it four weeks in a row at No. 1, with a still impressive $40 million in 4,204 theaters, $490 million, four weeks, and grossing more than $1 billion worldwide as 2023’s top-grossing film.

“Evil Dead Rise” continued at No. 2 with $12.2 million in 3,417 theaters, $44.4 million, two weeks.

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” the big-screen adaptation of Judy Blume’s best-selling 1970 novel, opened way back at No. 3 with $6.8 million in 3,343 theaters.

4. “John Wick: Chapter 4” stayed in place, $5 million in 2,685 theaters, $176.1 million, six weeks. 5. “Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi,” 40th anniversary re-release, $4.6 million in 475 theaters, weekend, $4.7 million, since re-release opening. 6. “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” dropped one place, $4 million in 2,709 theaters, $88.1 million, five weeks. 7. “Air” dropped one place, $3.9 million in 2,402 theaters, $47.6 million, four weeks. 8. “Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two,” opening, $3.8 million in 600 theaters. 9. “Guy Ritchie’s the Covenant” dropped six places, $3.6 million in 2,631 theaters, two weeks. 10. “Sisu,” opening, $3.2 million in 1,006 theaters.

Movie box office information from Box Office Mojo as of April 30 is subject to change

Unreel,

May 5:

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,”

PG-13: James Gunn directs Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana. Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki and Sylvester Stallone in the Action, Adventure Comedy. Peter Quill gets the gang back together to, guess what, guard the galaxy.

“Love Again,”

PG-13: Jim Strouse directs Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Haughan, Russell Tovey and Celine Dion in the Romance, Comedy, Drama . A woman sends texts to the phone of her dead fiancé and connects with the man to whom the number has been reassigned.

“What’s Love Got to Do With It?,”

PG-13: Shekhar Kapur directs Mim Shaikh, Iman Boujelouah, Lily James and Emma Thompson in the Comedy, Romance. A film-maker documents her Pakistan friend’s arranged marriage in London.

Movie opening dates information from Internet Movie Database as of April 30 is subject to change.

This column is dedicated to Harry Belafonte, singer, actor, activist.