Gone in 60 Seconds, released in theaters on June 9, 2000, is a slick, fast-paced, and incredibly entertaining remake that delivers pure automotive exhilaration. The film is a high-octane spectacle driven by its charismatic cast, stylish direction, and a relentless pursuit of the ultimate car heist.
Gone in 60 Seconds revolves around Randall “Memphis” Raines (Nicolas Cage), a legendary retired car thief who left his criminal past behind for a straight life. His quiet existence is shattered when his younger brother, Kip (Giovanni Ribisi), gets into deep trouble with a ruthless British gangster, Raymond Calitri (Christopher Eccleston).
To save Kip’s life, Memphis is forced back into the game and must, within 72 hours, steal 50 high-end, exotic cars for Calitri. He reassembles his old crew, including his former mentor Otto Halliwell (Robert Duvall), the elusive “Sway” (Angelina Jolie), and a new generation of car thieves.
As they race against the clock, they are relentlessly pursued by the determined Detective Roland Castlebeck (Delroy Lindo), leading to a series of thrilling chases and daring maneuvers.
Cage brings his signature blend of intensity and earnestness to Memphis, portraying a reluctant hero who just wants to do right by his family. He grounds the film with a believable sense of urgency.
Jolie is captivating as Sway, exuding a cool, enigmatic presence that makes her a magnetic figure on screen.
Duvall lends gravitas and a seasoned touch to Otto, providing a paternal figure for the crew.
Olyphant also stars as Detective Drycoff, Detective Castlebeck’s partner.
Ribisi effectively portrays the reckless Kip, while Will Patton as Atley Jackson and Scott Caan as Tumbler contribute to the colorful ensemble of thieves.
Michael Peña also has a memorable early role.
Director Dominic Sena (Swordfish) crafts a visually dynamic film, showcasing the cars with a loving eye and orchestrating the numerous heist sequences with precision and flair. The film’s aesthetic is cool and sleek, perfectly matching the high-end cars being targeted. The action is constant and thrilling, with the climactic chase involving the iconic “Eleanor” (a 1967 Shelby GT500) being a definite highlight.
While the plot is straightforward, it serves as an excellent framework for the stylish car theft sequences and the compelling character dynamics. The screenplay, by Scott Rosenberg (Con Air), provides a good balance of humor, tension, and camaraderie among the crew.
The film is a loose remake of the 1974 film Gone in 60 Seconds that was directed, written, produced and starring H. B. Halicki.
Angelina Jolie in Gone in 60 Seconds (Photo/Touchstone Pictures)
Reception for Gone in 60 Seconds
Gone in 60 Seconds grossed $25.3 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $237.4 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave Gone in 60 Seconds two out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Gone in 60 Seconds is a pure adrenaline rush that celebrates the thrill of the chase and the allure of automotive beauty. It’s a film that knows exactly what it is and delivers it with maximum impact. With its charismatic cast, stylish direction, and a non-stop barrage of thrilling action, it remains a highly enjoyable and endlessly rewatchable entry in the heist genre, a testament to its fast-paced fun.
