Gone In 60 Seconds MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -3

Just one last time. These are often the last words before jail for many criminals. Retired car thief Memphis Raines (Nicholas Cage) finds himself back in his old profession for one last heist. But jail is the least of his worries. When his younger brother Kip (Giovanni Ribisi) fails to deliver on a job for dangerous criminal Raymond Calitri (Christopher Eccleston), Memphis is forced to re-gather his old crew and steal fifty cars in only one night. If the crew doesnt deliver, Kip will meet an early death. Memphis reconnects with Sway (Angelina Jolie), an ex-partner and lover from his criminal past, as well as his father-like mentor, Otto Halliwell (Robert Duvall). And if stealing fifty cars in 12 hours werent enough, Memphis old police nemesis Detective Castlebeck (Delroy Lindo) is hot on his trail, waiting for the slightest slip up. Based on a 1970s cult classic, this newest action flick from producer Jerry Bruckheimer has all of the pieces to make it a crowd pleaser. The cars, the action, and the great cast are sure to deliver at the box office.

Although the action is exciting and the previews enticing, for concerned parents the overarching question is how the car thieves are portrayed. This movie really walks a tightrope as it encourages the audience to pull for the thieves to accomplish their mission. If they fail, an even worse fate befalls young Kip. However, the overall message is never in doubt. Having recognized the danger and walked away from crime, Memphis very reluctantly goes back to his former profession only after he realizes his younger brother will die if he does not deliver. To redeem his brothers life, he chooses the lesser of two evils. But for Memphis, this last job is a way out of crime forever, not only for himself and Kip, but also for all those in his crew. He really doesnt want them to be caught up in a life of crime. He has seen the results, and knows that there are better alternatives. Despite the message that theft is wrong, the actual stealing of the cars comes off as fairly easy and glamorous. A tinge of excitement accompanies each theft as a car is pulled out of the garage and taken. The film also includes more than its share of foul language, with 31 s-words and 23 moderate crudities. Mixed moral messages and gutter vocabulary drive GONE IN 60 SECONDS quickly downhill.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Buena Vista (Touchstone/Disney), 500 S. Buena Vista, Burbank, CA 91521