Armored (2009) Movie Review: A Tense and Gritty Heist Thriller
Overview
Directed by Nimród Antal, “Armored” (2009) is a heist thriller that combines intense action with psychological drama. Starring Matt Dillon, Columbus Short, Laurence Fishburne, and Jean Reno, the film follows a group of armored truck guards who plan a daring robbery that quickly spirals out of control. While it may not reinvent the genre, “Armored” delivers a solid and engaging thriller with strong performances and taut direction.
Plot Summary
The story centers on Ty Hackett (Columbus Short), a recently returned Iraq War veteran struggling to make ends meet. Ty works as an armored truck guard for Eagle Shield Security, alongside his mentor Mike Cochrane (Matt Dillon) and a team of seasoned guards including Baines (Laurence Fishburne), Quinn (Jean Reno), Dobbs (Skeet Ulrich), and Palmer (Amaury Nolasco).
Facing financial difficulties and the threat of losing his family home, Ty is reluctantly drawn into a plan orchestrated by Mike to steal $42 million from their own armored trucks. The plan involves staging a fake heist and hiding the money in an abandoned steel mill until the heat dies down.
However, the plan quickly unravels when an unexpected witness is discovered and tensions among the team escalate. Ty’s moral compass and loyalty are put to the test as he grapples with the consequences of their actions and the increasing danger of the situation.
Performance and Direction
Columbus Short delivers a compelling performance as Ty Hackett, capturing the character’s internal conflict and desperation. Short’s portrayal of Ty’s moral dilemma and determination to do the right thing adds emotional depth to the film, making him a sympathetic and relatable protagonist.
Matt Dillon shines as Mike Cochrane, bringing a mix of charisma and menace to the role. Dillon effectively portrays Mike’s manipulation and descent into ruthlessness as the heist goes awry. Laurence Fishburne, Jean Reno, and the rest of the supporting cast provide strong performances, adding layers of tension and unpredictability to the group dynamics.
Nimród Antal’s direction is taut and focused, maintaining a steady pace and building suspense throughout the film. Antal’s ability to create a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere enhances the sense of danger and urgency. The film’s 88-minute runtime ensures that it remains tightly wound, without unnecessary filler.
Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography by Andrzej Sekula effectively captures the gritty and industrial setting of the film. The use of tight, confined spaces within the armored trucks and the abandoned steel mill adds to the sense of claustrophobia and tension. The visual style is dark and gritty, reflecting the film’s themes of desperation and moral ambiguity.
The action sequences are well-executed, with practical effects and realistic stunts that contribute to the film’s grounded and intense atmosphere. The film’s visual approach emphasizes the physical and psychological strain on the characters, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.
Themes and Relevance
“Armored” explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the consequences of desperation. The film delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals pushed to their limits and the impact of their choices on themselves and others. Ty’s journey highlights the struggle between doing what is right and succumbing to the allure of easy money in the face of financial hardship.
The narrative also examines the dynamics of trust and betrayal within a close-knit group, as the guards’ plan disintegrates under pressure. The film’s exploration of these themes is grounded in the characters’ personal struggles and motivations, making it a thought-provoking thriller.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “Armored” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other streaming services. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“Armored” is a tense and gritty heist thriller that offers solid entertainment and strong performances from its ensemble cast. Columbus Short and Matt Dillon lead the film with compelling portrayals of characters caught in a high-stakes moral dilemma. Nimród Antal’s direction and Andrzej Sekula’s cinematography create a claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged.
While the film does not break new ground in the genre, its tight pacing, effective action sequences, and exploration of ethical themes make it a worthwhile watch. Fans of heist thrillers and intense action dramas will find “Armored” to be an engaging and thought-provoking film that delivers on its promise of suspense and intrigue.
