Gone in 60 Seconds

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The original hit 'cult' status with H.B. 'Toby' Halicki writing, producing, directing and starring! In 1989 shooting began on 'Gone in 60 Seconds II' and both 'Toby' and his new bride Denise were starring. On August 20th Halicki was preparing to shoot one of the most dramatic stunt scenes when tragedy struck. A 160 foot water tower collapsed too early, snapping a supporting cable that sheared a power pole, which came crashing down, instantly killing Halicki. Ten years on, widow Denise Halicki, is an executive producer on Bruckheimer's version of 'Gone in 60 Seconds' starring Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie. Jerry Bruckheimer's 'Gone in 60 Seconds' is not so much a remake of the 1974 original as it is a 'rebuild'. Bruckheimer's film has more soul, shall I say, a more in-depth look into the heart of each character and who and why they are there. If you are yet to see the original, my advice, rush out and rent or better still, purchase a copy! A great pair of DVD's to own! 'Gone in 60 Seconds' revolves around the brotherhood of Randall 'Memphis' Raines (Nicolas Cage) and his younger brother Kip Raines (Giovanni Ribisi). 'Memphis' as he's known, born and bred in Long Beach, was a renowned car thief and somewhat of a legend in the area. A few years ago he decided to retire from the business as it was becoming very clear to him that either he or his friends were about to wind up dead or in jail for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately for Randall, his brother Kip has not heeded the warnings and finds himself in a spot of bother. Raymond Calitri is a man you don't want to mess with. Called 'The Carpenter' because of his love for antiques, he has a tendancy to dispose of 'problems' if job requirements are not settled and, you guessed it, our young Kip has done exactly that. Now in order for Calitri to please his South American friends, he must have 50 cars delivered to Pier 14 in 3 days - not an easy task for even the best! This time however, the best is not given a choice and Memphis has just 3 days to organise a crew, put together a plan, scout the cars and then hopefully, if all goes well, boost 50 vehicles! As you know, nothing ever goes according to plan and this is no different. Detective Roland Castlebeck, of the Grand Theft Auto branch has been on the Force for years and with a rather impressive career there has been one thing that has eluded him: the notorious Memphis Raines! The instant Memphis arrives in town Castlebeck is all over him like a rash and this dude is not about to let him get away again. The two meet outside the local cafe and from here on in we know these are two very determined men with two vastly different agendas, and neither are going to give in without a fight! Get set and fasten your seatbelt, cause 'Gone in 60 Seconds' is about to take you for a ride! Follow Memphis, Kip and their quirky crew in their quest to fulfill a crucial order, at the same time doing their best to avoid capture, death or worse, Raymond Calitri! As you'd know by now, I review these movies as I see them and not as I've read and heard them to be! With such innovative technology in movies these days, my concern was 'Gone in 60 Seconds' may look more like a Sony Playstation game rather than a multi-million dollar motion picture. I, however, put my faith in Nicolas Cage and Jerry Bruckheimer, sat down and waited with anticipation! As predicted, I was not to be let down. Being the consummate professionals and perfectionists they are, Jerry and Nic are a match made in movie heaven! This was never meant to be your average 'car' movie. This has guts, grit, a great story and some very unique and somewhat zealous characters. And if this isn't enough, you'll fall in love with Eleanor - no, she's not an actress, of sorts, she's the finest of motor vehicles there is! Being a speed and car freak, I must admit I was looking forward to the car chases more than anything else. Well, okay, nearly more than Nic!! I was taken aback to discover there was so much more than just car chases to this movie. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised with not only the cast but the entire story concept. I absolutely love the characters and the backgrounds they've been given and think they help bring a certain essence and vibrance to the story. I mean here's this guy, a top notch criminal who's been out of town for years, he needs help and with a couple of phone calls, has a multitude of friends who are prepared to drop everything and risk their life. How many of us have that? So many movies today are based around one age group so it was refreshing and encouraging to see a family element introduced by way of mum, Helen Raines. Being a mum to four boys, I loved the connection and loyalty Memphis had with his mum. I found this aspect highlighted the softer side of Memphis without taking away the fact that he had been a criminal who constantly lived on the edge. Another angle is the older more experienced Memphis and his crew versus the younger, cockier and less experienced Kip and Co. After clashing initially, quite surprisingly I think, they find themselves working well together and able to achieve more. It is not until later in the movie that Kip really comes to understand the reasoning behind his brother's actions and his own arrogance and blindness, of sorts. The car chase! When thinking car chases, be sure to remember one thing: it's the quality rather than the quantity that matters and quality has never been more true than when it comes to Nicolas Cage and Eleanor!! Eleanor - a 1967 Shelby GT Mustang, a car that seems to have eluded Memphis' grasp for a number of years. His life has previously been jeopardised whilst attempting to boost her and as a result he is, dare I say, a little afraid of her. The funky tension that is present between these two is exhilerating and Eleanor becomes a co-star as opposed to simply a car. Many actors come across on screen as quite uncomfortable in this situation, but Nic takes it all in his stride. The main car chase is simply spectacular and I am not about to give any of it away! What I will say, is a great deal of time, thought and hardwork went into these scenes and with precision camera placement it will have you on the edge of your seat. What makes this the absolute ultimate in car chases is the fact that Nic performs the majority of driving and stunts himself, making this the most authentic car chase I've ever seen!! Yes, our very own Nic can drive - and drive like a demon he does!! To truly appreciate this aspect, a copy of the DVD is a necessity. Nic is brilliant as Memphis, showing little emotion or expression early on in the film yet really coming to life once the realisation that his 'family' is at risk is present. Nic was the first choice for the part of Memphis, as was Kip and it's not hard to see Dominic Sena's intentions, Nic walks and talks the part to a tee! A delightfully entertaining and colorful cast keeps you amused throughout leaving me to wonder, wouldn't it be great if we could all have a bunch of friends like this lot? I appreciate 'Gone in 60 Seconds' will not be everyone's cup of tea, however, if you clear your mind of any predetermined ideas, this movie will take you for a thoroughly enjoyable ride! (excuse the pun) I hope you have enjoyed my review of 'Gone in 60 Seconds'! To view this and more extensive Nicolas Cage movie reviews, please visit my website at: SkyestheLimit