Armored (PG-13, 2009)

common sense media says

Violent urban crime flick is too intense for tweens.


parents & educators say
  • 50% say violence is an issue
  • 50% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although Armored is a violent crime film with lots of blood and a fair amount of strong language (including "s--t" and "f--k"), it's almost old-fashioned in its clearly defined take on "good guys" and "bad guys" and ultimately sends the message that crime isn't an easy way out. The main character reluctantly participates in the central heist scheme out of desperation, but when the "simple" job turns into a bloodbath, he decides to do the right thing. Sure, there are plenty of logic loopholes, and it's not exactly a life-changing cinematic experience, but older teens and adults might find it entertaining.

Positive messages: Although the movie makes it pretty clear that crime isn't the easy way out when a "simple" job with "no victims" quickly turns into a disastrous bloodbath, the strong violence and and generally gritty feel take away from the message.
Positive role models: Main character Ty, a decorated war veteran, tries hard to support his younger brother Jimmy, and his behavior before the "job" -- andafter he changes his mind about participating (when murder enters the picture) -- is admirable. That said, other characters are far less upstanding and more willing to compromise their morals to succeed.
Violence: Very violent, and lots of people get hurt. A homeless man is shot in the back, then again in the head when he tries to get away. A cop is shot in the belly, complete with several quarts of blood. A man is stabbed to death off screen. Another man commits suicide by jumping off a roof, and yet another gets too close to an exploding bomb (viewers see his burning corpse at a medium distance). Finally, a man is killed in a spectacular vehicle crash. Characters brandish guns often, almost to the point of showing off. Perhaps even more painfully, characters often injure their hands while trying to bang the door hinges off of an armored truck.
Sex: A few shots of shirtless men, plus some mildly suggestive jokes.
Language: One use of "f--k" and several uses of "s--t" (including "bulls--t"), as well as "damn," "goddamn," and "hell."
Consumerism: One mention of Coke.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A character smokes once, in one scene. The six main characters go out for beers following Ty's initiation. Another character quickly pops some pills in the locker room, but it's not clear what they are (aspirin?).

More on Armored

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about Ty's initial decision to go along with the robbery plan. Why does he do it? What other options did he have? What would you have done?
  • Do you think Ty would have gone through with the robbery if everything had stayed according to plan? What messages do his decisions send to viewers?
  • What's the impact of the movie's violence? Is it increased by the fact that it wasn't supposed to happen? How does Ty's reaction to what goes wrong with the plan affect how you react to the bloody consequences?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Iraq War veteran Ty (Columbus Short) gets a job working with his godfather, Mike Cochrone (Matt Dillon), at an armored truck company. Ty has money troubles and is about to lose his late parents' house, as well as custody of his younger brother. But then Mike makes him an offer: Mike and four others (Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne, Amaury Nolasco, and Skeet Ulrich) are going to rob one of their own trucks and cook up a fake heist to cover their tracks. Ty reluctantly agrees, but when the so-called "simple" job unexpectedly turns into a bloodbath, Ty changes his mind and decides to do the right thing. But will it be at the cost of his life?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Directed by Nimrod Antal, ARMORED has a pleasingly gritty feel thanks to its use of chilly, metallic urban locations -- and at only 88 minutes, it's a very streamlined, no-nonsense genre film; it could almost be called a low-tech "B" movie. It has an economic way of developing its characters so that the situations come about as a result of the characters, rather than the reverse.

As things get going, certain small logic loopholes tend to crop up, and intelligent audience members will find themselves asking questions about some silly occurrences and images. ("Why didn't they just...?") But those who can sit back and roll with the movie's dynamic energy, atmosphere, and pacing may enjoy themselves in spite of these drawbacks.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Screen Gems
Director: Nimrod Antal
Cast: Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne, Matt Dillon
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 88 minutes
Theatrical release: December 4, 2009
DVD release: March 16, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: sequences of intense violence, some disturbing images and brief strong language
Watch our review

This review was written by Jeffrey M. Anderson
 
 

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What parents & educators say

15
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 50% say violence is an issue
  • 50% say language is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

Prototype79043
teen, 16 years old
 
This movie is great

OldBob13
teen, 16 years old
 
Dumb albeit fun action flick with lots of violence and language
Armored is one of those popcorn flicks that isn't particularly smart, complex, or memorable. What it offers up is a fun, brainless, and dumb action-packed ride that lasts only 80 minutes or so. The story is about a group of armored truck drivers who transport money to and from different locations every work day. One day, some of the men devise a plan to steal from their own armored trucks to help them with mortgage troubles. One man in particular named Ty is reluctant about the idea, and soon finds himself trying to stop these would-be robbers. The main message then, is to not steal. That's great, but it's hard to focus on that main idea when the rest of the movie contains gory gunshots, explicit language, and occasional drinking, Overall, Armored is a fun movie that doesn't have many brains but offers up some good action sequences. If your an adult with teens, rent it. You might be suprised how entertaining it is.

coolioface
teen, 16 years old
 
ehhhhh
its ok..... violent and had a stupid plot. watched it with my friends at a movie night... it was preetty dummb

 
armored is a good action movie but parents this movie does have a lot of intense violence that's goes way off the charts characters used a lot of strong language there's also some drinking, smoking, and drugs in the movie.

 
Exciting, and Ultimately Surprising, Heist Flick, Starts Slow, but Definitely Picks Up.
I thought this was an exceptionally tought thriller about truck drivers robbing their own armored trucks. The acting is better than expected and the action is done quite well. The only flaws are the lack of logic (but, then gain, who goes to movies to see logic?) and the very slow start. Once you get past the first half-hour or so, it proceeds to be very intense until the very end. PARENTS: This is an exceptionally violent film with, once again, exceptional amounts of blood for a PG-13. Please use caution when bringing a little one. In fact, I saw a little girl leave the theater crying on this one (no joke). How sad. Although bloody, I do recommend this film fairly highly. Well, thanks for reading - Movie Man

Indie-fan
parent of 17 and 18 year old
 
Only for Adult audience
Acting is superb!!! for an action film, againg, all actors are good, and Matt Dillon delivers - once again! too bad, Hollywood under-utilizes this super-talented actor. He can really play ANYTHING, not just a tough/rough/macho whatever...

 
Perfect for kids 14+. NOT under 14
Very bloody. Great movie over all though. Good casting. Just think about taking someone under 14 to it though I saw so many teens just walk out of the theater looking like they just could not handle anymore. Great movie

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age