Directed by: Simon West
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Josh Lucas, Danny Huston, Malin Akerman
Distributed by: Millennium Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 96 minutes
Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
When it comes to Nicolas Cage, I never ask questions. In the last few years his choice of scripts have been, well not the best, but he has never done wrong in my eyes. “Stolen” is a film that came completely out of nowhere. I had no idea at all it was being released. But I was very glad to get a chance to check it out because it is a very well directed kick ass action film. The plot well…well…did I mention it is action packed? Simon West, who also recently directed “The Expendables 2”, reunites with Cage for the first time since “Con Air”. West knows action and delivers the goods in this film. Cage also knows action, whether his acting is A-grade or not, he still knows how to tear shit up and kick some ass.
Here is the film’s official premise: “STOLEN” follows Will Montgomery (Nicolas Cage), a master thief who has been sent to prison for 8 years after being double-crossed in a heist gone awry. Upon his release, he’s ready to leave his criminal past behind and rebuild his relationship with estranged daughter, Alison Loeb (Sami Gayle). Montgomery’s former criminal cohorts and FBI agent Tim Harlend (Danny Huston), are all convinced that the $10 Million dollars was hidden away by Montgomery before he was sentenced. In order to get his hands on it, former partner in crime, Vincent (Josh Lucas), kidnaps Alison and demands the missing loot as ransom; giving Montgomery one day to deliver. Montgomery is left with only one choice: To trust his instincts and join forces again with another old partner in crime, the beautiful, sexy and smart Riley Jeffers (Malin Akerman). Together they must pull off one more heist so he can get his daughter back… before its too late.
The Simon West and Nicolas Cage team-up is one smart move for this film, two for two! Honestly though major-major props needs to go to Josh Lucas for playing one crazy son-bitch. I was shocked and very impressed with his performance. This was shot in New Orleans, Louisiana and definitely has that certain feel to it. It is like an additional character in the film, which is always great. I wish this film would have gotten more of a push because it definitely deserves it. You can thank Millennium Entertainment for at least putting this out. They also released two other great films in the last month or so, like “Red Lights” and “The Babymakers”. I am curious to see what they will have out next since they are three for three this year with me personally! If you are just looking for a quick and mindless action-packed thriller, I would recommend this film for sure.
