Stolen

Stolen is a thrilling action-heist masterpiece that graced the silver screens in 2012, starring some of the diverse and riveting talents of Hollywood: Nicolas Cage, Malin Akerman, and Josh Lucas. The film has a run time of 96 minutes, and each of those minutes is filled with tension, suspense, and a storyline that keeps audiences at the edge of their seats.

Stolen, directed by Simon West, is designed to take its viewers on a rollercoaster ride of intense thrill and suspense, combined with visceral action sequences. The plot revolves around Cage's character, Will Montgomery, a master thief who has done his time and serves an eight-year prison sentence for his crimes. Now, out of jail, he wishes to leave his past behind and mend his bond with his child, a relationship that has been strained due to his incarceration.

Nicolas Cage is in full form, providing a performance that radiates intensity and unrelenting determination. He fully imbues his character, Will, with a sense of urgency and heartfelt drama. His nuanced performance frames Montgomery as a flawed, yet sympathetic character who is desperately battling against his past mistakes and their repercussions.

Similarly, Malin Akerman, taking on the role of Riley, adds flavor to the movie with her captivating performance. She shares screen time with Cage as a former ally and confidante in their illicit ventures. Her character provides a fascinating perspective on Will and his determination to live a reformed lifestyle.

Josh Lucas is also noteworthy in his portrayal of Vincent, Will's former partner in crime and a primary antagonist. He brilliantly evokes an unhinged desperation and resentment towards Cage’s character. Lucas delivers a spectacular performance, presenting a villain whose motives are comprehensible, even if his means are morally comprehensible.

As Will tries to rebuild his life, he is caught in a web of chaos and danger as his former partner kidnaps his daughter, played by Sami Gayle. The kidnapper demands a hefty ransom, believed to be the loot from their last heist, which Will claims to have burned. The catch? Will has to get his daughter back in twelve hours. This deadline sets the movie pacing at a breakneck speed with a relentless momentum that doesn't slow down until the credits roll.

The New Orleans backdrop adds a unique charm to the film. Each chase scene in the city's labyrinthine streets, French Quarter, and Mardi Gras festival sets Stolen apart from the pack of run-of-the-mill heist films.

The movie is further elevated by West's deft direction and the versatile camera work of Cinematographer Jim Whitaker. Stolen keeps the tension cranked high and delivers pot-boiling suspense. The action sequences are well-choreographed and grounded, leaning into the bare-knuckle grittiness rather than over-the-top spectacles.

Stolen is steeped in crime, featuring some of the genre's most familiar tropes, while using these traditional elements in an interesting and complex way that allows for a distinctive storytelling style. The movie is multi-layered, presenting a compelling and intricate narrative focused on redemption and reconciliation, set against the backdrop of a high-stakes crime plot.

While the film's overall tone is serious and intense, there are moments of comedic relief, too. All this is balanced with human drama, depicting the strains and anxieties of a fraught father-daughter relationship. The dialogues are sharp, and the storyline is tight, moving forward briskly without letting the film lose its footing.

In conclusion, Stolen is a thrilling escapade into the world of heist and crimes. It blends tense action sequences with a human story of redemption, making for a gripping cinematic experience. It's a must-watch movie for those who enjoy a good scramble against time with intriguing character arcs and exceptional performances.