Ronin

Not a predictable one to dredge up, but that's how I roll.

I wanted to revisit Ronin for its car chases. The '98 flick has become lore amongst young car enthusiasts for its notable chase scenes through the picturesque French landscape. Audis, Benzes and Peugeots carve up the mountain passes and blaze through the narrow French city streets. The scale of the chases is pretty impressive. So many bloody extras. So many narrow escapes involving pinpoint accurate driving by many-a-stuntman. Definitely cool, but no Death Proof.

It's a modernized Italian Job, so to speak. A heist caper set to a gorgeous European backdrop. The wardrobe is excellent. I don't know what it is, but I just really like the styling. Sort of throwback, but in more of a timeless manner rather than an all out pastiche.

It's a good flick, but there's something about it that could have been better. I don't know what it is but somehow it seems a bit cliché or mediocre at times. But never veers off too bad, it's just not A-grade from start to finish. A valiant effort. Close but no cigar. The Italian Job (original, obviously) is better.

If you want car chases watch Death Proof, if you want a Euro heist watch the Italian Job, if you want DeNiro doing a little of both then watch Ronin.