Stolen (2012)

"Stolen (2012)" is a tense action thriller that delivers exactly what the premise promises. Nicolas Cage stars as Will Montgomery, a former master thief whose past comes back to haunt him when his estranged daughter is kidnapped and held for ransom. The kidnappers, fixated on a past heist, demand Will retrieve the stolen millions from years ago in exchange for her safe return. Driven by desperation, Will embarks on a frantic 12-hour race against time, tearing through the streets of New Orleans in a desperate attempt to find her, all while staying one step ahead of the FBI. As the clock ticks down, Will taps into his old skills and ruthlessly pursues any lead, uncovering a web of deceit and betrayal in his desperate attempt to save his daughter, who is trapped and vulnerable in the trunk of a taxi somewhere in the city. "Stolen" earns its place among Simon West's best films because it showcases his strengths as an action director. While perhaps not as bombastic as "Con Air," it's a tight, focused thriller driven by relentless pacing and practical action sequences. West utilizes the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans to great effect, creating a sense of urgency and claustrophobia as Will navigates the city's labyrinthine streets. The film also benefits from Cage's committed performance, channeling a raw desperation that grounds the more outlandish elements of the plot. While it doesn't reinvent the action genre, "Stolen" is a solid and entertaining entry in West's filmography, proving his ability to deliver a thrilling ride with a simple but effective premise.