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Summary
The 2000s were an exciting time foraction movies , although there were many wonderful films from this era that failed to get the recognition they deserve . Whether it was a piteous decisive reception upon their initial exit or having fallen aside from audiences ’ collective memory in the years since , several inordinately underrated action flick merit to be recognize for their heart - race sequence , thrilling tale , and balls - to - bulwark activeness hero protagonists . While these movies may not be as well consider as the biggest hits of that clip , they were no less worthy of acclaim .
Thebest activity movies everkept TV audience harbor and engaged through thrilling , action - packed spectacle , and the most underrated movies from the 2000s were no unlike . While some box seat office staff bust have since went on to gain reputation as rage favorites , others have remained in obscurity , in recondite motivation of revaluation from innovative viewers . There was something special about bang-up legal action moving picture in the 2000s , as they signaled a heyday for some of the biggest action mechanism stars in living retentiveness .
10Hitman (2007)
Directed by Xavier Gens
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A hit man - for - hire known only as Agent 47 take by a group known only as ' The Organization ' is entrap in a political conspiracy , which finds him pursued by both Interpol and the Russian military machine as he treks across Russia and Eastern Europe .
As the first adaptation of the dear video secret plan series of the same name , Hitmanfrom 2007 was slated by critic for convoluted plot and excessive furiousness . However , look back , Hitmanfeatured an incredible spark advance execution from Timothy Olyphantas Agent 47 , the orphan nipper who was professionally rail to grow up into an international hitman for hire . By rest true to its source stuff , Hitmanfeatured non - stop military action and was below the belt criticized when it was released as it absolutely attain its end of transferring the acclaimed stealth serial publication to the great screen .
While the negative response toHitmanmeant a contrive continuation was cancel , and audiences instead endured a lackluster reboot calledHitman : Agent 47 in 2015 , some notable voices have recognize the underrated nature ofHitman . The legendary late moving-picture show criticRoger Ebertwas one of the few to lavish praise on the motion-picture show , with a three - out - four - mavin critical review calling it a “ better movie than I suppose it might be . ” Philosopher and film theorist Slavoj Žižek also calledHitmanhis “ guilty delight ” ( viaKotaku ) and let in it in his top ten films of all time forSight & Soundmagazine in 2012 .
9Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
Directed by Dominic Sena
survive in 60 Seconds is a high - octane action motion-picture show directed by Dominic Sena . It stars Nicolas Cage as ex - car thief Randall " Memphis " Raines , who is forced out of retirement to steal 50 elevator car in one night to save his sidekick ’s life . Angelina Jolie co - stars as his former girlfriend and fellow car stealer , Sara " Sway " Wayland . The film explores themes of loyalty , skill , and the adrenaline of in high spirits - stakes theft .
In term of actors with filmographies packed with massively underrated movies , Nicholas Cage has to hail near the top . One often derided John Cage film from the break of the day of the millennium that does not deserve the hatred it got wasGone in 60 Seconds , an intense action movie about a thief who must slip 50 railroad car in one night to save his sidekick . Similar to the agency the bus inSpeedcouldn’t slow down , this was the character of crazy and derisory construct that made for heart - racing action at law movies .
Critics derided the writing , directing , acting , and even natural action sequence inGone in 60 bit , but the movie did well at the box position . It grossed over $ 237 million and has since gained a rage following , as the over - the - top nature ofCage ’s playact persona paired well with this exorbitant natural process film . Joined by a talented supporting cast , including Angelina Jolie , Robert Duvall , and Giovanni Ribisi , Gone in 60 Secondshas all the makings of a classic 2000s action movie .
8Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Directed by F. Gary Gray
In the thriller Law Abiding Citizen , Gerard Butler stars as a man who look for retaliation against the justice system that failed him after his family unit is brutally murdered . Jamie Foxx co - whiz as the prosecutor who failed to convict the grampus and Viola Davis appears as the city manager .
The absolute carnage ofLaw Abiding Citizenwas dress down by critic for its over - the - top vehemence and unflinchingly absurd construct . However , this willingness to go for broke in an legal action movie where one wrong man ( Gerard Butler ) takes on the total system to avenge the death of his family after their slayer was prepare complimentary was what madeLaw Abiding Citizensuch a electrifying catch experience . As audiences ' understanding were placed firmly with a murderous vigilante , the thrifty planning and sly preciseness of its so - yell villain was a refreshing corruption of the usual car chases and bare - hands combat of other military action movies .
While Jamie Foxx , as the Philadelphia prosecutor Nick Rice , was present as the hero inLaw Abiding Citizen , the superpower of the film rest securely on the shoulder of Butler ’s Clyde Shelton . With plenty of twists and turns , this was a death rate story that drop dead in a different direction than other movies , as its irregular nature made it engaging throughout . natural law Abiding Citizendid what the good action movies should do , as it keep looker on the sharpness of their seat , wondering how it would all play out in the end .
7Shoot ‘Em Up (2007)
Directed by Michael Davis
spud ' Em Up is an natural process moving picture make by writer - director Michael Davis and secrete in 2007 . Clive Owen stars as a man but know as " Smith , " a former military private investigator living in the shadow who happens upon a pregnant woman being chased by an assassin . After deliver her baby and being killed , Smith realize that the minor is targeted and goes to majuscule lengths to keep them safe while attempt to figure out the reasonableness for the seek hit .
The non - stop action , tongue - in - cheek wit , and over - the - top concept avail makeShoot ‘ Em Upone of the best 2000s action film that nobody talks about . Although it was positively have by critics , this excellent Clive Owen vehicle was a box seat office bombthat made just $ 27 million against its $ 39 million budget . With a story about a Daucus carota sativa - eating vagabond rescuing a new-sprung baby from a ruthless assassin played by Paul Giamatti , Shoot ‘ Em Upwas an endlessly entertaining activity movie with aruntime of under 90 mo .
As a no - clutches - blockade natural process movie , Shoot ‘ Em Updoesn’t feign to be anything that it ’s not and reach its mission of deliver fast - paced entertainment perfectly . fritter away ‘ Em Upwas a film that was cognisant of its more ridiculous aspects and act as them up delightfully as it delivered one activity successiveness , bad one - liner , and intense gunplay after another . As a deplorably underrated film , 2000s legal action lovers should be sure to hold back outShoot ‘ Em Up .
Custom image by Yeider Chacon.
6The Rundown (2003)
Directed by Peter Berg
The Rundown is an natural process - comedy picture show direct by Peter Berg , boast Dwayne Johnson as a bounty hunter identify Beck . broadcast to retrieve his employer ’s Word , bring by Seann William Scott , from the Amazon , Beck encounters resistance from a local gem Orion and a ruthless minelaying operator . The film balances high - octane action with humour , supported by public presentation from Christopher Walken and Rosario Dawson .
Dwayne Johnson was still being credit as The Rock for his first action clowning role inThe Rundownback in 2003 . As an enjoyable sidekick comedy where Johnson played an expert bounty hunter who must retrieve his employee ’s wayward son ( Seann William Scott ) from Brazil , the two presently find themselves capture up in dispute with the tyrannical town drawing card and in a James Henry Leigh Hunt for a mysterious gem . Not only didThe Rundownfeature two screaming lead performances , but it also had an telling supporting mould , including Rosario Dawson and Christopher Walken .
The Rundownis also known under the titleWelcome to the Jungle .
A gun-for-hire known only as Agent 47 hired by a group known only as ‘The Organization’ is ensnared in a political conspiracy, which finds him pursued by both Interpol and the Russian military as he treks across Russia and Eastern Europe.
WhileThe Rundowndidn’t break down any cinematic boundary , it was an enjoyable time capsule in the early 2000s and Johnson ’s rise as a major Hollywood direct military man . The Rundownunderperformed at the loge officewith a revenue of just over $ 80 million against its $ 85 million budget . Sadly , The Rundownhasn’t endured in the interview ’s collective memory in the way other 2000s action comedies likeTropic Thunderhave , but for those looking for a good laughter and some mindless amusement , it ’s well worth revisit .
5Equilibrium (2002)
Directed by Kurt Wimmer
Equilibrium is a science fiction cinema direct by Kurt Wimmer , star Christian Bale as John Preston in a dystopian future where emotion are suppressed through required medicinal drug . In his role as a top - grade government enforcer , Preston begins to question the regime he serve up . The motion-picture show explores themes of emotion , mastery , and resistivity in a smart set that proscribe human feeling .
With tight choreography , accelerator pedal , textile art , and an Orwellian dystopian setting , the sci - fi action movieEquilibriumwas a critical and commercial loser that deserve far more love than it got . With Christian Bale as a humanity rising up to overthrow the totalitarian city - State Department of Libria , Equilibriumfeatured a society formed out of the wreckage of World War III , where human emotions were deemed the root of all conflicts . bring influence from works likeFahrenheit 451,Nineteen Eighty - Four , andBrave New World , Equilibriumwas an gratifying odds and ends of its aspiration repackaged as an activeness movie .
WhileEquilibrium’sderivative nature may put off some viewers , it combined many well - have on sci - fi concepts to create something fresh and thought - agitating . As a flick free shortly afterThe Matrix’smega - achiever , it ’s clearEquilibriumwas endeavor to soak up some of that franchise ’s success , but it was mostly forgotten in the process . However , as an effective objet d’art of dystopian nightmare fuel , Equilibriumwas astonishingly just and digest as one of the most underrated activity movies of the 2000s .
4Crank (2006)
Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor
Chev Chelios , a hitman , is injected with a lethal poison that jeopardize to arrest his sum if he does n’t keep his adrenaline levels high . To remain awake , Chev embarks on a relentless and disorderly rampage through the city , engaging in extreme stunts and violent confrontation to exert his meat rate . As he hunts down those responsible for for his impendent demise , Chev ’s quest for endurance becomes a round-the-clock thrill ride , filled with explosive action mechanism and desperate measures .
Of all theaction movies that seem and find like television games , no other met this criteria better thanCrankwith Jason Statham . As a extremely underrated action moving-picture show , Crankstarred Statham as Chev Chelios , a professional assassinator injected with a poisonous substance that would toss off him if his heart charge per unit shake off . This exorbitant conception meant thatCrankwas non - stop action from start to finish , as Chelios had to continuously check he upped the stakes as his life depended on it .
At times , watchingCrankfelt more like playingGrand Theft Auto , as the sheer mass murder on display mimicked the most absurd run of the free - roaming video game series . Statham did an splendid job in this thrilling , adrenaline - fueled misadventure . As a no - meaninglessness , reckless , and outrageous film , Crankhas been woefully underrated and deserves more recognition among activeness devotee .
3District B13 (2004)
Directed by Pierre Morel
The French movieDistrict B13was an effective action film that utilized parkour with the use of figurer - generated imaging . conscientious objector - written and produced by Luc Besson , the impressive stunt work ofDistrict B13drew many comparisons to the Thai filmOng - Bak , starring Tony Jaa . WhileDistrict B13received positive limited review internationally , the reception in its domicile country was less than stellar , as French referee mat up its patch was shallow and too derivative of other action film ( viaThe New York Times ) , like John Carpenter’sEscape from New York .
As a box office bomb that recouped just over $ 10 million of its $ 13 million budget , District B13never got the attention it deserved for its impressive stunts , expertly done camera study , and insightful societal comment . With a story about regions being overrun by gang and a plot to neutralize a dud flak , District B13highlighted social problems in the suburbs of Paris . Although it never managed to reach a mainstream audience , District B13did receive a continuation titledDistrict 13 : Ultimatumin 2009 that come better than the original film .
2Miami Vice (2006)
Directed by Michael Mann
Based on the eighties TV activity / drama , this update focuses on vice detective Crockett and Tubbs as their various personal and professional life become hazardously intertwined .
Back when Michael Mann’sMiami Vicewas released in 2006 , audiences were used to old telecasting shows being revived as lighthearted funniness movies such asThe Dukes of Hazzard . However , the smart and fun 1980s palpate ofMiami Vice’stelevision show was nowhere to be pick up in this new version , as it told a disconsolate and gritty narrative with a serious tone . This alienate many spectator , and despite being a truly splendid film , Miami Vicewas doomed to fail as it underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews from critics .
However , in the nigh two decennium since its discharge , Miami Vice’sreputationhas originate to shift , and it has built up a name for itself as an underappreciated cultus favorite . With a strong sense of style and philosophical undertones , Miami Vicewas imbued with an aesthetic imagination as Mann carve something Modern out of the television serieshe had executive director produced back in the eighties . With strong lead performances from Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell , Miami Vicedeserved to be reappraised by contemporary spectator .
1Man on Fire (2004)
Directed by Tony Scott
Man on Fire is a drama thriller directed by Tony Scott , sport Denzel Washington as John Creasy , a burned - out ex - CIA operative turned escort . He is hired to protect a new girl , Pita Ramos , played by Dakota Fanning , in Mexico City . As Creasy develops a bond with Pita , he is drive to exact vengeance when she is abducted , showcasing a relentless following for justice against those responsible .
As one ofDenzel Washington ’s most underrated celluloid , Man on Firewas everything a looker could want out of a 2000s action mechanism moving picture . With the iconic belated director Tony Scott at the helm , a thrilling tale about a former CIA operative on a revenge violent disorder for an abducted nine - year - old little girl , and a surprising amount of center , Man on Fireticked all the correct box . However , critic did not palpate the same , and despite grossing $ 130 million against a $ 70 million budget , it received a miscellaneous reception .
Man on Fire was a stern tale that did not shy forth from depict the darkest recesses of Mexico City as the unseen brainiac of a sinister snatch plot get off Washington ’s John W. Creasy down a volute of vigilantism . As a much more faithful adaptation of A. J. Quinnell ’s original novel than Elie Chouraqui ’s 1987 version , Man on Fireimpressed the generator , who commended Washington ’s functioning ( viaTimes of Malta . ) An emotional wild drive from start to finish , Man on Firewas the most underratedaction movieof the 2000s .
Sources : Box function figures fromBox Office Mojo , Roger Ebert , Kotaku , The New York Times , Times of Malta
Gone in 60 Seconds is a high-octane action film directed by Dominic Sena. It stars Nicolas Cage as ex-car thief Randall “Memphis” Raines, who is forced out of retirement to steal 50 cars in one night to save his brother’s life. Angelina Jolie co-stars as his former girlfriend and fellow car thief, Sara “Sway” Wayland. The film explores themes of loyalty, skill, and the adrenaline of high-stakes theft.
In the thriller Law Abiding Citizen, Gerard Butler stars as a man who seeks revenge against the justice system that failed him after his family is brutally murdered. Jamie Foxx co-stars as the prosecutor who failed to convict the killer and Viola Davis appears as the mayor.
Shoot ‘Em Up is an action film created by writer-director Michael Davis and released in 2007. Clive Owen stars as a man simply known as “Smith,” a former military operative living in the shadows who happens upon a pregnant woman being chased by an assassin. After delivering her baby and being killed, Smith realizes that the child is targeted and goes to great lengths to keep them safe while trying to figure out the reason for the attempted hit.
The Rundown is an action-comedy film directed by Peter Berg, featuring Dwayne Johnson as a bounty hunter named Beck. Sent to retrieve his employer’s son, played by Seann William Scott, from the Amazon, Beck encounters resistance from a local treasure hunter and a ruthless mining operator. The film balances high-octane action with humor, supported by performances from Christopher Walken and Rosario Dawson.
Equilibrium is a science fiction film directed by Kurt Wimmer, starring Christian Bale as John Preston in a dystopian future where emotions are suppressed through mandatory medication. In his role as a top-ranking government enforcer, Preston begins to question the regime he serves. The film explores themes of emotion, control, and resistance in a society that forbids human feeling.
Chev Chelios, a hitman, is injected with a lethal poison that threatens to stop his heart if he doesn’t keep his adrenaline levels high. To stay alive, Chev embarks on a relentless and chaotic rampage through the city, engaging in extreme stunts and violent confrontations to maintain his heart rate. As he hunts down those responsible for his imminent death, Chev’s quest for survival becomes a nonstop thrill ride, filled with explosive action and desperate measures.
Based on the 1980s TV action/drama, this update focuses on vice detectives Crockett and Tubbs as their respective personal and professional lives become dangerously intertwined.
Man on Fire is a drama thriller directed by Tony Scott, featuring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a burned-out ex-CIA operative turned bodyguard. He is hired to protect a young girl, Pita Ramos, played by Dakota Fanning, in Mexico City. As Creasy develops a bond with Pita, he is driven to exact vengeance when she is abducted, showcasing a relentless pursuit for justice against those responsible.
