Main cast: Nicolas Cage (Randall “Memphis” Raines), Giovanni Ribisi (Kip Raines), Angelina Jolie (Sara “Sway” Wayland), Robert Duvall (Otto Halliwell), Delroy Lindo (Det Roland Castlebeck), Will Patton (Atley Jackson), Chi McBride (Donny Astricky), Scott Caan (Tumbler), Christopher Eccleston (Raymond Calitri), and Timothy Olyphant (Det Drycoff)
Director: Dominic Sena

Gentlemen, start your engines.

I haven’t seen the 1974 original movie upon which this 2000 version is an update, but I must say I am very, very entertained by this new Gone in 60 Seconds. I now want to steal cars myself – it’s the new cool way to live!

Retired car thief – oh, he is very good at his job – Memphis is called out of retirement when his brother botched up a boost (a car theft marathon). Now Memphis would have to unscrew his brother’s screw-up or the really nasty Raymond Calitri would turn poor Kip’s career – and life – into a very short one.

Now Memphis would have to steal 50 cars in four days. Recruiting his old buddies, including old flame Sway, takes one day, planning another, and seeking out the cars one more day. That leaves the gang 24 hours to steal 50 cars. And they execute that with so much energy and vitality that I am at the edge of my seat.

Gone in 60 Seconds is one sexy tribute to the orgasmic power of the boost and fast cars. “Which is better, having sex or stealing cars?” Sway asked Memphis, and Memphis answers, “Having sex while stealing cars.” Ooh. This movie is slick, fast, and Nicolas Cage looks as if he’s actually enjoying himself. I love the teamwork and the no-holds-barred car chases. And it sure seems exciting stealing cars. This movie bestows the chase and the thrill a thick air of sexuality.

I’m willing to forgive this movie’s criminal under-utilization of Angelina Jolie, whose dynamic presence burns up the screen whenever she’s in it. She bestows the whole car heist affair a seductive thrilling chase. “Hello, ladies,” she cooes, and one wonders if she’s actually having an orgasm while dismantling the car anti-theft systems.

Kinetic and hip, that’s what Gone in 60 Seconds. I’ve had a great time watching. Car thieves are cool, and I would never look at cars the same way again. I think I’ll go name my Volks Rocko.