[1] In Los Angeles, the gambler Paul Weston (Henry Thomas) is a loser, and owes a lot of money to the dangerous mobster Freddie (Rae Allen).

When he is brutally beaten and the life of his former wife is threatened by Freddie, his acquaintance bartender Vinnie (Gary Busey) sends him to Dr. Charlie Brooks (Vera Farmiga), and then convinces him to participate in a heist in the jewelry district, with the professional thief Gene (Bruce Dern), to raise the necessary money to pay off his debt.

[2] On September 17, 2004, it was reported that David Boreanaz, Henry Thomas, Vera Farmiga, and Bruce Dern had been cast in the film as Roger Hargitay, Paul Weston, Dr. Charlie Brooks, and Gene, respectively.

"[9] Rachel Buccicone of 7M Pictures wrote, "The Hard Easy is actually a very good story and reminds me in some ways of films like Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

"[10] Ben Odgren of CHUD.com gave a negative review, writing, "The Hard Easy tries to incorporate every possible cliché genre staple that comes standard with the type of films it's trying to emulate.