Armored

Armored is an engaging 2009 American crime thriller directed by the experienced Nimród Antal and featuring a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Columbus Short, Matt Dillon, Laurence Fishburne, Jean Reno, Skeet Ulrich, and Amaury Nolasco.

The primary protagonist, Ty Hackett, is played by Columbus Short. Ty is a decorated war veteran turned armored truck guard, struggling to keep his financial obligations in hand after having been made the guardian of his teenage brother following their parents' death. When the very real threat of losing his brother to the state and falling behind on his mortgage payments rears its ugly head, Ty finds himself in an increasingly dire situation.

Matt Dillon plays Mike Cochrane, Ty's long-time friend, mentor, and fellow armored car guard who considers Ty as reliable as family. Mike possesses a street-smart ruggedness and offers Ty an opportunity that has the potential to solve all his financial woes. The dilemma presented is the backbone of the plot, forcing Ty into a moral quandary that forms the film's central conflict.

Laurence Fishburne plays Baines, an intensely gruff and unscrupulous armored car guard who is part of the crew of veteran armored vehicle personnel within the story. Baines, along with Quinn (played by Jean Reno) and Dobbs (played by Skeet Ulrich), comprises the remainder of the hardened crew of guards who play significant roles in the film's unfolding series of events.

The storyline of Armored is a high-stakes narrative filled with tension, suspense, and moral quandary. When Ty and his armored truck crew are pitched a seemingly foolproof plan by Mike to fake a robbery and steal $42 million, seemingly with no victims in sight, Ty is forced to choose between the ethical values he holds dear and the allure of a quick solution to his pressing financial problems. As he grapples with his conscience, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats, as the plan begins to unravel, and the crew finds themselves tangled in a rapidly escalating situation.

Armored delivers pulse-pounding suspense from start to finish. Nimród Antal masterfully weaves the intricate narrative, never letting the tension slack as the crew navigates potential betrayals, unexpected obstacles, and the looming threat of getting caught. Armored takes advantage of its unique setting, offering viewers a glimpse into the world of armored truck guards that is rarely seen in cinema.

The film's expert staging and cinematography also deserve commendation. Its tight shots and confined locations, often within the armored truck interiors, serve to enhance the claustrophobic tension that is so essential to the film's atmosphere. The expansive, gritty industrial landscape around the depot and along the truck route provides a potent, moody backdrop to the evolving drama.

As far as performances go, Columbus Short excels as the moral heart of the film, delivering genuine desperation and conflict in a role that requires not just physical prowess but also emotive depth. Dillon provides a strong foil, serving as both friend and potential foe who keeps viewers guessing throughout. Fishburne and the rest of the cast also deliver solid, believable performances, bringing an air of grim realism to their portrayals.

A point worth mentioning is the way the film delves into deep-seated issues such as trust, brotherhood, and morality against the backdrop of crime, making for a thoughtful watch amidst the thrilling narrative. These themes laser through the entire movie, challenging the viewer’s sense of right and wrong, and forcing them to question how far they would go when pushed against the wall.

Overall, Armored is an exceptionally crafted thriller that manages to keep viewers engrossed with a combination of intense action, compelling performances, and a narrative that alternates between adrenaline-pumping suspense and thought-provoking premises. It’s a movie tailored for those who enjoy a tense, exciting, action-filled ride fused with a moral dilemma, all sprinkled with polished performances.