The French are known for stylish and sophisticated films, including those in the action/thriller genre. One of the current luminaries is Luc Besson, best known for Subway (1985), La Femme Nikita (1990), Taxi (2000), The Transporter (2002) and others, all well produced and directed.
The Nest, directed by Florent Emilio Siri who went on to direct Hostage (2005) with Bruce Willis starring - goes for the jugular, however: non-stop, slam-bang action that sucks you in with some cool characters and an innovative mise en scene that relies very much on a fantastic coincidence and with a heavy nod to John Carpenter's Assault on Precinct 13 (1976).
I'm not against coincidences. I've experienced fantastic coincidences that, if put into fiction, would be scorned. And, I'm not against a director using a similar idea as another; it's the best form of flattery. But, I know some would be upset by this apparent double whammy. So, be warned.
Here's the scene: a group of six robbers raid a warehouse to steal computers and such like. Shortly after they get down to their job, they're interrupted by a special police armored car that busts into the warehouse because it's being pursued by a large like I mean, very large group of Albanian Mafiosi who want to bust up that tin car of a car and bust out their Big Boss who's being held prisoner by a small band of reeeeeeel tough cops who just don't see it the mob's way.
Well, you guessed it: the six (almost) harmless robbers join forces with the special coppers to stand and fight the real bad guys. And all because the coppers want to keep that Big Boss safe to go to court the next day. Stand by your man, with a difference...
Which, of course, results in some harsh words and harsh action between the coppers and the robbers at first, but, as Machiavelli said long ago: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." So, hell on earth continues for most of the hundred minutes of the story.
There are the usual heroics, the stock coward who gets his reward, and there are those who rise to the occasion in the face of insurmountable odds particularly the night watchman whose knowledge of the layout provides a crucial turning point in the battle.
And, what a battle it is: I don't know how long it took the special effects guys to set up each scene or partial scene but I reckon the actors had long coffee breaks between takes. There's more than enough action for the freaks in this one. Little wonder Hollywood enticed Siri to direct Hostage, a story with a similar (again) theme of being trapped inside with bad guys outside.
The only actor I recognized was Sami Naceri whom I last saw in Taxi, a rip-roaring and blistering ride around the streets of Marseilles. He's a funny guy and worth catching.
For me, it was quite entertaining and believable while also managing to stay on the better side of parody despite the six robbers whistling the theme tune from The Magnificent Seven (1960) on the way to the robbery...
Recommended for all except the kiddies.
P.S. I never liked Assault on Precinct 13 anyway.
The Nest, directed by Florent Emilio Siri who went on to direct Hostage (2005) with Bruce Willis starring - goes for the jugular, however: non-stop, slam-bang action that sucks you in with some cool characters and an innovative mise en scene that relies very much on a fantastic coincidence and with a heavy nod to John Carpenter's Assault on Precinct 13 (1976).
I'm not against coincidences. I've experienced fantastic coincidences that, if put into fiction, would be scorned. And, I'm not against a director using a similar idea as another; it's the best form of flattery. But, I know some would be upset by this apparent double whammy. So, be warned.
Here's the scene: a group of six robbers raid a warehouse to steal computers and such like. Shortly after they get down to their job, they're interrupted by a special police armored car that busts into the warehouse because it's being pursued by a large like I mean, very large group of Albanian Mafiosi who want to bust up that tin car of a car and bust out their Big Boss who's being held prisoner by a small band of reeeeeeel tough cops who just don't see it the mob's way.
Well, you guessed it: the six (almost) harmless robbers join forces with the special coppers to stand and fight the real bad guys. And all because the coppers want to keep that Big Boss safe to go to court the next day. Stand by your man, with a difference...
Which, of course, results in some harsh words and harsh action between the coppers and the robbers at first, but, as Machiavelli said long ago: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." So, hell on earth continues for most of the hundred minutes of the story.
There are the usual heroics, the stock coward who gets his reward, and there are those who rise to the occasion in the face of insurmountable odds particularly the night watchman whose knowledge of the layout provides a crucial turning point in the battle.
And, what a battle it is: I don't know how long it took the special effects guys to set up each scene or partial scene but I reckon the actors had long coffee breaks between takes. There's more than enough action for the freaks in this one. Little wonder Hollywood enticed Siri to direct Hostage, a story with a similar (again) theme of being trapped inside with bad guys outside.
The only actor I recognized was Sami Naceri whom I last saw in Taxi, a rip-roaring and blistering ride around the streets of Marseilles. He's a funny guy and worth catching.
For me, it was quite entertaining and believable while also managing to stay on the better side of parody despite the six robbers whistling the theme tune from The Magnificent Seven (1960) on the way to the robbery...
Recommended for all except the kiddies.
P.S. I never liked Assault on Precinct 13 anyway.