The French are known for stylish and sophisticated films, including those in the action/thriller genre. One of the current luminaries is Luc Besson, best known for Subway (1985), La Femme Nikita (1990), Taxi (2000), The Transporter (2002) and others, all well produced and directed.The Nest, directed by Florent Emilio Siri – who went on to direct Hostage (2005) with Bruce Willis starring - goes for the jugular, however: non-stop, slam-bang action that sucks you in with some cool characters and an innovative mise en scene that relies very much on a fantastic coincidence and with a heavy nod to John Carpenter's Assault on Precinct 13 (1976).I'm not against coincidences. I've experienced fantastic coincidences that, if put into fiction, would be scorned. And, I'm not against a director using a similar idea as another; it's the best form of flattery. But, I know some would be upset by this apparent double whammy. So, be warned.Here's the scene: a group of six robbers raid a warehouse to steal computers and such like. Shortly after they get down to their job, they're interrupted by a special police armored car that busts into the warehouse because it's being pursued by a large – like I mean, very large – group of Albanian Mafiosi who want to bust up that tin car of a car and bust out their Big Boss who's being held prisoner by a small band of reeeeeeel tough cops who just don't see it the mob's way.Well, you guessed it: the six (almost) harmless robbers join forces with the special coppers to stand and fight the real bad guys. And all because the coppers want to keep that Big Boss safe to go to court the next day. Stand by your man, with a difference...Which, of course, results in some harsh words and harsh action between the coppers and the robbers at first, but, as Machiavelli said long ago: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." So, hell on earth continues for most of the hundred minutes of the story.There are the usual heroics, the stock coward who gets his reward, and there are those who rise to the occasion in the face of insurmountable odds – particularly the night watchman whose knowledge of the layout provides a crucial turning point in the battle.And, what a battle it is: I don't know how long it took the special effects guys to set up each scene or partial scene but I reckon the actors had long coffee breaks between takes. There's more than enough action for the freaks in this one. Little wonder Hollywood enticed Siri to direct Hostage, a story with a similar (again) theme of being trapped inside with bad guys outside.The only actor I recognized was Sami Naceri whom I last saw in Taxi, a rip-roaring and blistering ride around the streets of Marseilles. He's a funny guy and worth catching.For me, it was quite entertaining and believable while also managing to stay on the better side of parody – despite the six robbers whistling the theme tune from The Magnificent Seven (1960) on the way to the robbery...Recommended for all except the kiddies.P.S. I never liked Assault on Precinct 13 anyway.

Best siege movie I've seen... felt like living out a game of Counterstrike! I think anyone who likes a good action movie will like this - don't let the French/subtitles put you off - there is not a huge amount of dialogue, so it doesn't detract much from the experience.The action is intense, but real - things explode, but only when it makes sense that they do - not like a Hollywood movie where one bullet will cause anything to burst into flame...Enough reading, go see it! (insert more lines to allow this to be seen) (insert more lines to allow this to be seen) (insert more lines to allow this to be seen) (insert more lines to allow this to be seen)

It is my favorite action movie ever, i just totally love it! It beats every other Hollywood crap for sure. If i'd get a chance i would definitely go the see it again in the cinemas. French really know how to make a movie. It's too bad that people watch only American movies, there were like 10 people besides me watching the movie. Music selection is great and suits perfectly. It is rather brutal and real as it gets. All action takes place very quickly and keeps the pressure on top. Actors choice is also very good - i really liked the man with the iron mask, he left a good impression on me. It's sad that it doesn't have a DVD version, only VHS. I highly recommended watching it (Y)

A fairly unoriginal movie, but terrifically entertaining for action fans. Others steer clear.The story kicks off with three groups meeting in the same tight spot: a huge warehouse. One group is a band of crooks. Second we have a group of commandos who where transporting a wanted terrorist and they just took a beating from his henchmen, who are the third group and they are relentlessly trying to get their boss back. The crooks team up with the commandos to save their hides from the terrorists. Hong Kong style action and fireworks ensue.In a nice step the action and violence grows increasingly over the top. Starting with typical action film shoot-out and finally barreling towards utter chaos and inhumanity and, in the end, the bad guys are portrayed almost as gun totting demons rather than humans. They are vile, robotic, and bestial. Especially the terrorist leader who has some nasty fingernails. That is pretty ridiculous, but from an action movie point of view it is quite stylish and even refreshing for a change. Also it makes a statement about the sense of all the violence. 7/10Rated R: plenty of violence, and profanity (in French, nonetheless)