211 : DVD Review


211 (2018)
Title: 211
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Dwayne Cameron, Michael Rainey Jr., Sophie Skelton
Distributor: Lionsgate
Released: 23rd July 2018
Format: DVD
Length: 87 mins
Cert: 15


Inspired by real-life events 211 is the story of one of the longest and bloodiest shoot-outs in police history. 211 - which is police code for ‘robbery in progress’ - is a high-octane action-thriller that chronicles what it means to be in the middle of an unfolding crisis situation.


Much has been said about the output of Nicolas Cage in recent years. Review has been more interested in the style of his hair than the quality of his acting. Sadly Cage has made some poor choices in recent years, favouring quantity over quality. That said 211 is amongst the better films that he has chosen to lend his star name and genuine Oscar-winning acting ability to. Many of Cage’s films over recent years may have only been released straight to DVD and may have ended up failing to find an audience - although Netflix will have helped to find extra viewers - but 211 is a decent effort at a cop vs bank robbers thriller and deserves your attention.


Cage stars as Mike Chandler a life-long veteran police officer ready to finally enjoy his retirement and a well-deserved pension. But when he and his partner (and son-in-law) Steve go out on routine patrol one day (with Kenny, a 15-year-old court-appointed ride-along) they get into a much worse situation than they could ever have imagined.


The two officers and their young civilian passenger soon find themselves underprepared and outgunned when fate puts them squarely into the crosshairs of a daring bank heist in progress by a fearless team of highly trained and heavily armed men.


211 is a well directed and well produced film and at under 90 minutes it’s short enough not to outstay its welcome. After the obligatory 20 minute opening scene set up its actually quite action-packed. Audiences should be sure to remember that this film is based on real-life events and I believe that the direction, production values and acting (from a cast of less well-known actors supporting Cage in the central role) does it justice.




Author : Kevin Stanley