Director Simon West reteams with star Nicolas Cage (the pair had a major hit 15 years ago with Con Air) for this cheesy New Orleans-set B-movie that features bank robberies, kidnappings, multiple car chases, and even human immolation, yet still manages to be almost unremittingly dull. Cage plays this one straight—as opposed to his occasional manic performance—as Will, a supposed genius at planning elaborate heists, whose partner is volatile Vincent (Josh Lucas). After a bank job goes wrong and Vincent is apparently killed, Will is nabbed and sent to prison. When he gets out, Will discovers that Vincent is actually still alive; disfigured and angry, he's holding Will's daughter (Sami Gayle) hostage and threatening to kill her unless Will brings him the loot from that last robbery. Since he burnt the cash, Will enlists their old getaway driver—pretty bartender Riley (Malin Akerman)—to help him rob another bank. Competently directed by West and shot during Mardi Gras for background color, Stolen is ultimately just too pedestrian, the sort of by-the-numbers fare that would barely pass muster as late-night premium cable fodder. Not a necessary purchase. (F. Swietek)
Stolen
Millennium, 96 min., not rated, DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: $24.99, Jan. 8 Volume 28, Issue 1
Stolen
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