Review of Armored (2009) by Cory W — 05 Apr 2010

What a doosey this film was. "Armored" is a fast-paced, rough, gritty action drama/morality tale that effectively gives great character sketches in the process. The film centers around a group of security guards whose plot to steal the money they are transporting goes haywire.

And then the action ensues. Enter Columbus Short (giving a solid performance here) who is just apart of the plan to get some money to keep his house and guardianship over his younger brother. The rest of the crew (led by Matt Dillon) are in it for unknown reasons (well, except they want some money too).

Short immediately takes action against the rest of the group when the plan goes downhill, and and the film goes from there. The film seemed a little rushed at times, not explaining certain events, but still gives the viewer a satisfying experience.

The film provides a great ensemble performance. Some may complain that the film is too close to "Reservoir Dogs" in plot. While I can agree the film shares some similarities, the two have different motives.

"Dogs" gave a great crime story with unapologetic laughs here in there. "Armored" really does show the effects of a crime gone wrong. None of the guys here are bad at first, but as the film evolves, it brings out either the best or worst in the guards.

It's a path that not many films want to explore, but "Armored" travels down it and finds success. And I've got to say, some of the car chases were pretty well done. While the film has its flaws, it makes for a solid hour and twenty minutes of good film.

Overall, "Armored" delivers.