"Armored" is loaded with classic movie elements and action

Director: Nimrod Antal

Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Genre: Action

Featuring: Columbus Short, Matt Dillon, Laurence Fishburne

In a year full of films about wolves, vampires, robots and aliens, "Armored" ignores the trend of state of the art graphics and explosions. Instead, it provides a unique (albeit simple) story with traditional action elements that are both entertaining and easy to comprehend.

"Armored" is the story of Iraqi War veteran Ty Hackett (Columbus Short), a young man whose new job as an armored vehicle guard is all he has to take care of himself and his younger brother. The siblings are dealing with the recent loss of their parents and it is clear that Ty does not make enough to comfortably care for himself or his brother.

Hackett confesses these financial concerns to his godfather, Michael (Matt Dillon) who is a veteran member of Eagle Shield Security, the armored transport company which the two work for. Michael fills Ty in on a plan that he and 4 other employees have of robbing $42 million. After much speculation, Ty decides that his financial situation is too dire and he desperately agrees as long as no one gets hurt.

Of course, the implementation of the plan is all fine and dandy until the point when somebody DOES get hurt, and Ty decides to hole himself up in one of the armored vehicles. The race that ensues is 60 minutes of crooks trying to dispose of Ty while Hackett tries to devise a plan to catch his attackers.

While the plot itself is very simple, (the movie is only an hour and 50 minutes or so,) the movie never is boring and always brings a new predicament for either the crooks or for Ty. What is interesting is that although Michael and his friends are the antagonists in the film, the story is developed enough to make the audience sympathize with their plight. In my opinion, this really helps to keep the movie fresh and interesting.

The acting is above average. Columbus Short (who starred in "Stomp the Yard") is very impressive in his role as Ty Hackett and he has this Denzel Washington-like delivery about his lines. Look for a bright future from this actor. Matt Dillon, Laurence Fishburne and Jean Reno are excellent support characters and "Heroes" TV star Milo Ventimiglia is accurately type-casted in his role as a curious uniformed cop.

While there are no special effects and the explosions aren't as grand as previous movies this year, "Armored" holds its own in its delivery. The action is well-paced, easy to follow and very amusing. This is an enjoyable thriller that from beginning to end will have you attentive and focused.

3.5 out of 5 stars

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