Retirement in Hollywood, like death in comic books, is often only temporary. With Jack Nicholson soon to be coaxed back to work for the Toni Erdmann remake, Hayao Miyazaki returning to Studio Ghibli, and, by contrast, the likes of Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino periodically promising an exodus from their career, retirements aren't what they once were. Stepping back into the fray with Logan Lucky is Stephen Soderbergh, whose retirement lasted a breezy four years. But you know what, if they make films as good as this one then they can un-retire as often as they like.

The Logans are a cursed family with their latest generation including Jimmy who has a career-ending limp (a onetime High School sporting superstar, now a construction worker fired due to a 'pre-existing condition') and the one-armed Clyde (he lost his arm during his Iraq War tour). Together the plan a daring heist of a NASCAR race to break their curse.

Soderbergh is a pro when it comes to crafting twisty, effortlessly cool heist movies (Ocean's Eleven, Out of Sight) and here he has made one of the more enjoyable entries in his career. He is aided by a game cast, many playing against type. Channing Tatum dials down the sex appeal, and replaces it with an approachable demeanour he can sometimes lack, and comes complete with a tremendous chemistry with the other Logan, Adam Driver. Daniel Craig pops up in the fun role of explosives expert, Joe Bang, and the rest of the ensemble are all having a lot of fun with the film. Riley Keough, in this film as well as the earlier It Comes At Night, feels like a talent worth watching, capable in drama and comedy.

In fact the cast is strong enough to make a pair of performances noticeably out of sync. Hilary Swank pops up near the end as the investigating FBI Officer and brings an intensity that threatens to suck the levity out of movie. But she fairs much better than Seth MacFarlane who, complete with broad English accent, is far too cartoonish for the film. He's really rather irritating here.

The film ambles along at its own pace, only really gaining a sense of urgency as the big day approaches. But this gives it room to breath, as we get to know our collection of misfits. It's fun, throwaway, but with just enough ticking away to allude to the problems that America is going through. Its not a film about the current state of America but it is one that gains a resonance because of it.

Sometimes a break can be good for a creative. After his sabbatical (let's ignore that it was a "retirement") on TV, Soderbergh feels like he has regained his voice. Logan Lucky is equal parts a fun romp, a sweet character study, and a slight exploration of some of the ills of American life. You'll enjoy the ride, but the film does nothing to convince that NASCAR is an exciting sport.