Now this is more like it. An adult action thriller with a high concept set-up, great testosterone fuelled cast and a brief running time so it doesn't outstay it's welcome. In Armored, from director Nimrod Antal (who will go on to direct 2010's Predators) a group of long serving security van drivers (of the Group-4/ Securicor variety) decide to steal the contents of their vans and then pretend they were held up by bandits on route to the depot, thus getting away clean. After leader Matt Dillon convinces his (initially reluctant but financially desperate) Godson Columbus Short to participate the team proceed with the plan. Then a witness is killed by trigger happy Lawrence Fishburne, and Short changes his mind...trying to save lives and scupper their robbery.
This is more hip, edgy drama/thriller than it is an action movie...but it flys by and you're never quite sure of the outcome. As Matt Dillon repeatedly says, there are no baddies in the plot. So, because the charismatic Dillon, Fishburne, Jean Reno and Skeet Ulrich are on the team...you want them to succeed. On the other hand, Short's values are righteous, that you want him to win too. Sigh...can't they all just get along?
Milo Ventimiglia and Fred Ward are on hand to making this one of the coolest ensembles around for a while. I love caper movies, so it's good to see a new twist on a well-oiled format. A great, mid-budget, how-are-they-gonna-get-out-of-that thriller that's worth your time.
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