Review

The cast of Dominic Sena's latest action movie Gone in 60 Seconds might entice one to take a ride to see stars such as Nicolas Cage, Robert Duvall, Angelina Jolie, and Giovanni Ribisi. However, the lackluster performances in this remake of the 1974 car crash classic make the new version as exciting as freeway driving during the LA rush hour.

Gone in 60 Seconds stars Cage as Randall "Memphis" Raines. Once the preeminent car thief in Long Beach, California, Memphis has retired from his position and moved away from friends and family in a small town in Northern California. Once he left Long Beach, his younger brother Kip followed his thieving ways. Kip and four friends steal high-end cars, but encounter trouble when they get in over their heads with a ruthless businessman, Raymond Calitri (Christopher Eccleston). The action develops when Memphis returns to Long Beach to try to bail out his brother. Memphis must accept Calitri's ultimatum: unless the big brother can deliver 50 cars in 40 hours, Kip will die. During the next four days, Memphis tries to recruit members of his old team so that he can meet Calitri's demand and save his brother's life.

Although Cage has delivered solid performances in other action films, (for example, Face Off) here, he does not measure up to his usual standard. He seems to be in a somnambulist state throughout the movie and not even the lustful Jolie (Sara "Sway" Wayland) can revive him. Although Memphis returns to boosting only to try to save his brother's life, he does not show any of the passion on this comeback tour that his reputation would suggest. Only in one scene at a Ferrari dealership does Cage digress from his monotone dialogue and show any of his usual flare. In this scene, Memphis pretends to be a wealthy LA socialite who needs a high-end car to raise his social status. His charisma enables him to befriend a dealer to find out the location of one of the 50 cars that he must boost.

Even the prospect of sexual relations with an old flame, Sway, fails to elicit any enthusiasm from Cage. The Cage-Jolie duo is perhaps the most disappointing element of the movie. Jolie, fresh off her Oscar success for Girl, Interruped plays the sexy Tomboy who works with Memphis' team. Jolie's character, however, appears in few scenes and her appearance fulfills the necessary "hot chick" quota for the modern action film. Although Jolie appears in many scenes throughout the movie as Cage's trusted accomplice, she has few lines in what is ultimately a nul roe for an Oscar caliber actress.

Even the only romantic scene between Jolie and Cage fails to deliver any action. As the pair maneuvers around the gearshift of a high-end car, their romance is cut short so that they can boost a lavender Ferrari. Sara's willingness to delay sexual relations with Memphis suggests that this bad girl finds boosting cars more arousing than making love. Other actors such as veteran Duvall or up-and-comer Ribisi can't offer any bright spots in the movie. Duvall plays Otto Halliwell, a paternal figure to Memphis who helps him strategize for boosts. Ribisi is unconvincing as the ungrateful and naïve kid brother. The movie's final car chase scene, reminiscent of Keanu Reeve's jump over freeway overpasses in Speed, is an implausible ending that further detracts from the entertainment value of the film.

Although the acting and action are not up to the quality of producer Bruckheimer's previous hits such as Armageddon and Con Air, the use of over 50 high-end vehicles will entertain the car enthusiast. From the Shelby GT 500, to the Ferrari 275 GTB4, to the Cadillac SUV, the stock of luxury cars is endless. But, as the only redeeming feature of this otherwise forgettable film, it would be more satisfying to check out some exclusive car dealerships without spending the $7 for your movie stub. At least car dealers might deliver some entertaining lines, which you won't hear from this all-star cast. After an hour of Gone in 60 Seconds, you'll find yourself wishing you had been.

FilmFestivals.com Los Angeles reporter
Colleen Shaw