Review of Stolen (2012) by Dylan D — 04 Sep 2013

Just watch Taken (2008) instead.

A bank job worth $10 million goes wrong for Will Montgomery (Cage) and Vincent (Lucas). In the wake of the failed robbery, Vincent was presumed dead and Will had burnt the cash they had stolen in order to get a lesser sentence. On being released from prison after 8 years, Will finds that Vincent is still alive and has 'stolen' his daughter (Sami Gayle), demanding Will get him his $10 million.

If you have seen Taken, then you know what's going to happen. This rip off of the 2008 success starring Liam Neeson is so woefully dumb, with shots of Nicolas Cage running like he has got pins and needles in his legs taking up a large portion of the film. It seems that the film doesn't even mind displaying that it is a complete rip off of Taken, although there are some differences. Firstly, the film is not set in Europe, but in New Orleans, and Mardi Gras. Secondly, Will's daughter isn't taken by a terrifying sex trafficking ring, instead, she is taken by a one-legged taxi driver who is also missing a few fingers. Not exactly a villain you can get on board with.

The film is ridiculous, with acting so over the top its farcical. For me, the worst piece of film acting throughout the film (and it's a long list) is right at the end of the film. Nicolas Cage has a block of gold, worth roughly $300,000. He knows the FBI are listening and watching him, so he decides he's going to fool them and pretend to throw the gold into a lake. His acting at this point, especially when acting out the throwing movement, is disgusting. I would expect more in a pantomime, in fact, that is what the scene becomes with FBI agents repeating "throw it," "don't throw it," "throw it," "don't throw it.".

There is not much else I can say other than if you're planning on watching a Nicolas Cage film, stick to ones like Con Air and The Rock.

J.Henderson.

2/10.