The pure B-movie esprit is undeniable.

Isn't clever or inventive enough to seem like a high-stakes game.

A host of charismatic character actors, including Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne and Matt Dillon, slum it about amiably in Armoured, a B-movie action thriller, before it all implodes in the final unbelievable act.

B-grade though it may be, Armored fulfills all the basic needs of your average thriller, doing so with a predictable setup and by relying on the bare essentials.