History Film / Momentum2015

* {{Fanservice}}: Fairly early on in the movie, Olga Kurylenko's character relaxes in a bathtub. Her bare legs are seen during the sequence that follows, and also [[spoiler: the scene where she's held captive while stripped to her underwear]].

* BaldOfEvil: Two of Mr. Washington's hit squad. The first is Mr. Madison, a [[KnifeNut knife-wielding thug]] who likes to rape female captives, and the second is a [[TheVoiceless nameless mute]] who handles torture equipment.

* CodeName: The senator's cleanup squad are named after [[UsefulNotes/ThePresidents former US Presidents]].

** When Alex hides out in a "safehouse" with a crew member, he surmises [[Main/FamousLastWords the elevator is the only way in]] and prepares to ambush the intruders with his trusty shotgun. Instead, the assassins [[spoiler: enter via a less obvious route and promptly riddle him with bullets]].

Creator/OlgaKurylenko stars as Alex, a hi-tech thief with a DarkAndTroubledPast who is persuaded by ex-lover and partner Kevin Fuller to pull off Main/OneLastJob. When things go wrong and Kevin is murdered, Alex is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse with professional killer Mr. Washington ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0700856 James Purefoy]]).

** Henchmen [[spoiler: Mr. Jefferson]] and [[spoiler: Ms. Clinton]] go out like this. Plus [[spoiler: the unnamed bald thug who shows up three quarters of the way through]].

* TheDeterminator: In the final confrontation, [[spoiler: Ms. Clinton survives a close range ''bomb explosion'' and [[NotQuiteDead quickly returns to the fray]]. The bloody-faced assassin overcomes multiple melee attackers until one airport security guard finally wises up and [[CombatPragmatist shoots her in the head.]] ]]

* AxCrazy: Drugged up crew member Wayne, who goes all psycho during the bank robbery. First he threatens a little girl by pointing a gun in her face. Then he takes it out on a security guard, holds ''him'' at gunpoint and starts quoting lines from DirtyHarry. Finally the nutter waves a GrenadeLauncher around just itching to [[TriggerHappy massacre the terrified hostages]]. Alex wisely decides to shoot him.

* AxCrazy: Drugged up crew member Wayne, who goes all psycho during the bank robbery. First he threatens a little girl by pointing a gun in her face. Then he takes it out on a security guard, holds ''him'' at gunpoint and starts quoting lines from DirtyHarry. Finally the nutter waves a GrenadeLauncher around just itching to [[TriggerHappy massacre the terrified hostages]]. Alex wisely decides to shoot first.

** While at the safehouse, Alex contacts Kevin's wife Penny to retrieve a false passport and cash. Mr. Washington later uses its redial function (and deceives the child who answers) to learn Penny's address while Alex watches helplessly. Alex then uses the same technique with a henchman's phone to locate Mr. Washington.
** Lampshaped during the [[spoiler: warehouse torture sequence]] when Alex destroys a cellphone after she's finished making a call.

* BigBad: The unnamed US Senator, portrayed by veteran politician actor Creator/MorganFreeman. Certain lines of dialogue ''strongly hint'' he's running for the Presidency (or plans to), but this is not confirmed explicitly.

** When he threatens the blackmailer Jessica at the hotel, he needs a passcode to access the video footage on her mobile phone. She initially refuses to provide it, reasoning that [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness he'll kill her afterward]]. Washington doesn't deny it, but promises Jessica a painless death should she co-operate. His statement - delivered so coldly she ''knows'' he's being truthful - is enough to break her resolve.

*** [[spoiler: Prior to her capture at the warehouse (which is part of her plan), Alex plants the coveted data drive on ''[[ItWasWithYouAllAlong Mr. Washington himself]]'' during a struggle, using his tie as a hiding place. This ensures it will always be nearby.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex uses Mr. Washington's expert judge of character against him, letting him believe Kevin [[NoHonorAmongThieves double crossed her and swapped the real diamonds for worthless glass]] (when in reality she's given them to Penny). Alex plays the DeadpanSnarker while undergoing physical torture, but later pretends to conform to Washington's assertion that FemalesAreMoreInnocent and feigns anguish when he brings up her tragic CIA past.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex lets Mr. Washington see her brush pass exchange with Penny at the airport, pretending to be sloppy because of her injury. This is an intentional DivideAndConquer strategy that forces Washington to split up his team and send a henchman after Penny, thus leaving himself more vulnerable.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex pretends to be reluctant to open the airport storage locker, making Washington think it's a trap. When he threatens to inform a security guard, Alex appears to relent. She continues the bluff by hesitating several times while opening the locker and metal case within. Only when Washington is finally convinced it's safe does he instruct Ms. Clinton to retrieve the data drive. Of course it was never there, and the case [[SomebodySetUpUsTheBomb really does contain a bomb after all.]] ]]
*** [[spoiler: To elude the authorities, Alex borrows Jessica's decapitated head from the cleanup crew and cuts the cheek to match the description of a scarred woman given by the bank robbery hostages. Penny retrieves the bagged head from the warehouse and [[FakingTheDead leaves it at the airport for the police to find]]. To add the finishing touch, she places a small quantity of stolen diamonds in the bag too. [[HeroismWontPayTheBills Penny gets to keep the rest of the jewels for services rendered.]] ]]

---> [[spoiler: '''Alex:''' GUN!]]

* TookALevelinBadass: To a degree. Penny goes from being a helpless victim to assisting Alex with her plan. Justified since her role is limited to support.

** [[spoiler: Alex ''appears'' to succumb to Mr. Washington's mind games when he brings up her failed CIA mission that resulted in the deaths of several innocents. However, this turns out to be a ruse.]]

* BigBad: The unnamed US Senator, portrayed by veteran politician actor Creator/MorganFreeman. Certain lines of dialogue ''strongly'' hint he's running for President (or plans to), but this is not confirmed explicitly.

** Henchmen [[spoiler: Mr. Jefferson]] and [[spoiler: Ms. Clinton]] go out like this. Plus [[spoiler: the unnamed bald thug shows up three quarters of the way through]].

Creator/OlgaKurylenko stars as Alex, a hi-tech thief with a DarkAndTroubledPast who is persuaded by ex-lover and partner Kevin Fuller to pull off Main/OneLastJob. When things go wrong and Kevin is murdered, Alex is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse with mysterious assassin Mr. Washington ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0700856 James Purefoy]]).

Alex soon discovers the diamonds her crew stole were never the real objective. Instead Washington and his private hit squad are after a [[Main/{{MacGuffin}} data drive]] that contains incriminating evidence against a ruthless US Senator (Creator/MorganFreeman).

Wanted by the authorities and with few allies to call on, Alex's options are limited. Unfortunately for the bad guys, it seems she received the same badass training as [[Film/{{Taken}} Bryan Mills]] and possesses a "very particular set of skills" that include martial arts, marksmanship, demolition and spycraft. [[Main/OneManArmy Not a woman to trifle with.]]

''Momentum'' was intended to be the first in a franchise, but its poor box office performance put those plans on hold.

Not to be confused with the [[Film/Momentum2003 2003 TV Movie of the same name]] that stars Louis Gossett Jr. and Creator/TeriHatcher.

* ActionGirl: Alex, naturally. After she takes down several well-trained hitmen with brutal efficiency, Mr. Washington correctly surmises she has a military or intelligence background. It turns out she's [[spoiler: a former CIA infiltration specialist who went into hiding six years ago following a mission went bad]].

* MalevolentMaskedMen: The bank robbers wear all-black leathery outfits with hi-tech masks that incorporate dazzling lights, tinted goggles and voice disguisers.
* MultipleGunshotDeath: [[spoiler: After being outsmarted, Mr. Washington finds himself surrounded by armed police outside the airport. He's about to surrender when Alex tricks him into reaching for his tie. She then [[HesGotAWeapon yells "Gun!"]] in feigned panic which prompts the nervous police officers to open fire.]]
* NoEscapeButDown: Alex escapes the hotel by using a steep laundry chute. Fortunately there's a basket of clothes at the end to break her fall.
* NotQuiteDead: The cleaners prove difficult to kill, even for a badass like Alex.

** Mr. Washington escapes an explosion ''specifically meant for him''.

** Averted with Mr. Jefferson and the bald thug, who [[spoiler: get their brains blown out]].

* GoryDiscretionShot: When Ms. Clinton skewers the helpless Kevin with her blade, the viewer is spared the gory details. His anguished cries suggest a world of pain, and even the normally badass Alex is left visibly shaken.

** After Alex's mask comes off during the bank heist, her crew members want to eliminate the hostages who've seen her face. While Alex is prepared to kill those who deserve it, [[GreyAndGrayMorality she draws the line at innocent bystanders]].

* NotQuiteDead: The cleaners don't go down easily.
** Mr. Monroe takes a real beating and comes back to haunt Alex more than once. Eventually she [[spoiler: drills a hole in his chest]].
** Alex throws a knife in Mr. Madison's back. It barely slows him down.
** Mr. Washington escapes an explosion ''meant specifically for him''.

** Averted with Mr. Jefferson and the bald thug, who [[spoiler: die from headshot wounds]].

* AntiHero: As a hardened criminal Alex certainly qualifies. While she refrains from hurting innocents, she goes after the cleaning squad with such cold-blooded ruthlessness that both Mr. Washington and Ms. Clinton express their admiration.
--> '''Mr. Washington:''' (After Alex escapes) I ''love' this woman.

** Mr. Washington plays chess and fancies himself a master. He prides himself on being GenreSavvy and outsmarting clever opponents, and knows what tactics to employ to gain their co-operation. He even points to a game in progress while interrogating Alex [[spoiler: at the warehouse]] and challenges her to a match. She doesn't play, apparently.

Creator/OlgaKurylenko stars as Alex, a hi-tech thief with a Main/MysteriousPast who is persuaded by her ex-lover and partner Kevin Fuller to pull off Main/OneLastJob. When things go wrong and Kevin is murdered, Alex is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse with mysterious assassin Mr. Washington ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0700856 James Purefoy]]).

** Mr. Washington to the senator. In terms of screen time and threat to Alex, he's arguably the [[Main/DragonInChief main villain]] of the movie despite taking orders from someone else.
** Moving down the villainous chain of command, Ms. Clinton could be considered one to Mr. Washington.
** Mr. [=MacArthur=], who handles the fallout at the end, is implied to be the senator's right hand man.

* FireForgedFriends: Alex and Penny have a bitter history - Kevin and Alex were in love, but [[LoveTriangle he chose to marry Penny]]. When Alex first contacts Penny she is understandably hostile and refuses to help. After Alex saves Penny's life (and Penny returns the favour), the two women put aside their differences and work together to bring down those responsible.

* ProveIAmNotBluffing: At the warehouse, Alex sneaks up on Mr. Jefferson and [[AttackTheMouth inserts a gun in his mouth]]. When she contacts his superior and demands the diamonds in exchange, Mr. Washington calls her bluff and insists Alex is not cold-hearted enough to pull the trigger. To prove she's serious, Alex blows his brains out and leaves an explosive device with his body.

* ATeamFiring: Averted. In the chase sequences Alex makes good use of cover and rarely gives her enemies a clear shot. And the bad guys function as a well-trained unit - most of the time.

''Momentum'' is a 2015 ActionGenre movie directed by [[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0132120 Stephen Campinelli]], filmed and largely set in Cape Town, [[UsefulNotes/SouthAfrica South Africa]].

Creator/OlgaKurylenko stars as Alex, a hi-tech thief with a Main/MysteriousPast who is persuaded by her partner Kevin Fuller to pull off Main/OneLastJob. When things go wrong and Kevin is murdered, Alex is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse with an assassin known only as Mr. Washington ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0700856 James Purefoy]]).

Wanted by the authorities and with few allies to call on, Alex's options are limited. Unfortunately for the bad guys, it seems she went to the same badass training academy as [[Film/{{Taken}} Bryan Mills]] and possesses a "very particular set of skills" that include martial arts, marksmanship, demolitions and spycraft. [[Main/OneManArmy Not a woman to trifle with.]]

''Momentum'' was intended to be the first in a franchise, but its poor box office performance put those plans on indefinite hold.

Not to be confused with the [[Film/Momentum2003 2003 TV Movie of the same name]] which starred Louis Gossett Jr. and Creator/TeriHatcher.

* ATeamFiring: Averted. In the chase sequences, Alex makes good use of cover and rarely gives her enemies a clear shot. And the bad guys function as a well-trained unit - most of the time.
* ActionGirl: Alex, naturally. After she takes down several well-trained hitmen with brutal efficiency, Mr. Washington correctly surmises she has a military or intelligence background. It turns out Alex is [[spoiler: a former CIA infiltration specialist who went into hiding six years ago following a mission gone wrong]].
* AxCrazy: Drugged up crew member Wayne, who goes all psycho during the bank robbery. First he threatens a little girl by pointing a gun in her face. Then he takes it out on a security guard, holds ''him'' at gunpoint and starts quoting lines from DirtyHarry. Finally the nutter waves a GrenadeLauncher around just itching to [[TriggerHappy massacre the hostages]]. Alex wisely decides to shoot first.
* BadassDriver: Alex is skilled with vehicles too, ''reversing a car down a spiral ramp at high speed'' to escape the hotel's parking garage. Later on she "borrows" a motorcycle to pursue the hit squad.

** While at the safehouse, Alex contacts Kevin's wife Penny to retrieve a false passport and cash. Mr. Washington acquires the phone and uses its redial function (and deceives the child who answers) to learn Penny's address while Alex watches helplessly. Alex later uses the redial function on a henchman's phone to locate Mr. Washington.
** Lampshaped during the [[spoiler: warehouse torture sequence]] when Alex destroys a phone after she's finished using it.

* BigBad: The unnamed US Senator, portrayed by veteran politician actor Creator/MorganFreeman. A throwaway line near the end hints he's running for President, but this is not confirmed directly.
* BlackmailBackfire: Quite spectacularly. Kevin and co-conspirator Jessica foolishly decide to blackmail the senator with secretly recorded sexual footage. We're talking about a ''US Presidential candidate who hires criminals to rob banks''. And [[TooDumbToLive the silly woman didn't even think to make a backup video]].

** During the final scenes, [[spoiler: the senator repeats these lines in a conversation with senior military officials. This time, there is extra dialogue that reveals his EvilPlan to cause large-scale damage in Chicago and start a war.]]

* BorrowedBiometricBypass: The high security bank vault is protected by a biometric sensor and can only be opened by the manager. After he confesses he's the key, Alex's crew drag the wounded man along and force him to use it.

** When he threatens the blackmailer Jessica at the hotel, he needs a passcode to access the video footage on her mobile phone. She initially refuses to provide it, reasoning that [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness he'll kill her afterward]]. Washington doesn't deny this, but promises Jessica a painless death should she co-operate. His statement - delivered so coldly she ''knows'' he's being truthful - is enough to break her resolve.
** When physical torture doesn't break [[spoiler: Alex at the warehouse, Washington changes his approach. He deduces her real identity is Alexis Faraday, and brings up her tragic history with the CIA. Washington goes into minute detail about her [[MyGreatestFailure failed mission seven years ago]] where a bomb blast missed its intended target (who escaped alive) but killed his innocent wife and children. Washington then threatens to kill Penny and her child if Alex doesn't help, [[ManipulativeBastard brutally toying with her emotions]]. The strategy works and a broken Alex agrees to hand over the data drive. [[TheChessmaster At least, that's what ''she wants'' him to think.]] ]]

** During the heist, Alex uses a special tool to quickly punch in the lock of a safety deposit box. This device is later used by her to bust a door lock during the hotel escape sequence. [[spoiler: And to fatally wound an assassin.]]
** After the heist, Alex uses an explosive device to DestroyTheEvidence. Bombs come into play again [[spoiler: during the warehouse confrontation and the climatic airport sequence]]. Justified since Alex is really [[spoiler: former CIA operative Alexis Faraday, a multi-talented operative with demolitions training.]]

* TheChessmaster: Includes some examples with actual chess terminology.

** However, it's [[spoiler: Alex]] who turns out to be the real chessmaster with a brilliantly planned and executed strategy that also incorporates elements of XanatosSpeedChess.
*** [[spoiler: Prior to her capture at the warehouse (which she plans for), Alex plants the coveted data drive on ''[[ItWasWithYouAllAlong Mr. Washington himself]]'' during a struggle, using his tie as a hiding place. This guarantees it will always be nearby.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex uses Mr. Washington's expert judge of character against him, letting him believe Kevin [[NoHonorAmongThieves double crossed her and swapped the real diamonds for worthless glass]] (when in reality she's given them to his Penny). Alex plays the DeadpanSnarker while undergoing physical torture, but later pretends to conform to Washington's assertion that FemalesAreMoreInnocent and breaks down tearfully when he brings up her tragic CIA past.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex lets Mr. Washington see her brush pass exchange with Penny at the airport, pretending to be sloppy because of her injury. This is an intentional DivideAndConquer strategy on her part that forces Washington to split up his team and send a henchman after Penny, thus leaving himself more vulnerable.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex acts reluctant to open the airport storage locker, making Washington think it's a trap. When he threatens to inform a security guard, Alex appears to relent. She continues the bluff by hesitating several more times while opening the locker and metal case within. Only when Washington is finally convinced it's safe does he instruct Ms. Clinton to retrieve the data drive. Of course it was never there, and the case [[SomebodySetUpUsTheBomb does contain a bomb after all.]] ]]

*** [[spoiler: To finish things off Alex sets up Mr. Washington one ''final'' time, making him think she's hidden something else behind his tie. When he instinctively reaches to check, all Alex has to do is provoke the police into firing.]]

** Ms. Clinton is either named after President Bill Clinton or UsefulNotes/HillaryRodhamClinton who seemed certain to be the first female to make it to the White House [[HarsherInHindsight but didn't]].

* CripplingTheCompetition: Mr. Washington does this to Alex just prior to the climax. Realising just how badass his foe is, Washington [[spoiler: stabs her in the leg to prevent her running or fighting effectively. The wound leaves Alex physically crippled to the extent she's left limping during the finale. But she still has her wits intact, which [[XanatosSpeedChess she uses to glorious effect.]] ]]
* DarkActionGirl: Brutal henchwoman Ms. Clinton is a skilled combatant who [[CurbStompBattle kickboxes Fuller to a pulp]] in a display of strength. In the climatic fight scene [[spoiler: at the airport, she takes on and defeats ''multiple security guards'' armed with truncheons and sidearms. And she starts the battle with ''no weapons of her own''.]]

* DisposingOfABody: As one might expect, the cleaners are very skilled in this field. They cut up the remains of Kevin and Jessica, bag them for transport, and incinerate them. Done earlier by Alex when she torches the heist getaway vehicle with Wayne's body inside.

** Mr. Macarthur, who handles the fallout at the end, is implied to be the senator's right hand man.

* EmergencyStash: Kevin Fuller keeps a selection of false passports and cash hidden in a secret ceiling compartment. After his death, Alex enlists the services of his reluctant wife Penny.
* EvilBrit: Mr. Washington is played by Englishman James Purefoy, so naturally he wears a smart suit and sports a British accent.
* FakeoutEscape: Alex fakes her escape from the safehouse by opening a window. Occurs just prior to the CeilingCling.
* {{Fanservice}}: Fairly early on in the movie, Olga Kurylenko's character relaxes in a bathtub. Her bare legs are seen during the sequence that follows, and also [[spoiler: a later scene where she's held captive]].

** Alex's skill at cracking hi-tech security systems and her use of explosives to DestroyTheEvidence hint at an espionage background. [[spoiler: It's later revealed she's a former CIA operative.]]
** A comment made by Mr. Washington to Alex turns out to be ''very'' appropriate.
--> [[spoiler: '''Mr. Washington''': Figured you for a chess champ.]]

** When Alex hides out in a "safehouse" with a crew member, he determines [[Main/FamousLastWords the elevator is the only way in]] and prepares to ambush the intruders with his trusty shotgun. Instead, the assassins [[spoiler: crash through a window spec-ops style and promptly riddle him with bullets before he gets off a single shot]].
* GoryDiscretionShot: When Ms. Clinton skewers the helpless Kevin with her blade, the viewer is spared the gory details. Though his anguished cries suggest a world of pain, and even the badass Alex is left visibly shaken.

* ImprovisedWeapon: Invoked repeatedly during the confrontation at Penny Fuller's house. Justified since Alex has no access to regular weapons, is in a RaceAgainstTheClock to save Penny, and has to improvise.

** Alex disposes of one hitman by shoving a broken shard of glass into his stomach.

** Alex removes her lock buster tool from the first assassin's bloody chest. While the actual usage occurs off-screen, the implication is she tortured the guy to gain information.

** After the assassins murder Kevin, revenge-seeking Alex grabs a pistol from a discarded handbag and takes aim at Mr. Washington. It turns out the pre-loaded clip is empty and the ammunition is still in the handbag.

* LaserSight: Mr. Washington's crew use automatic weapons mounted with green laser beams during the safe house assault.

** After Alex's mask comes off during the bank heist, her crew members want to eliminate the hostages who've seen her face. As seen later on, Alex is prepared to [[GreyAndGrayMorality kill those who deserve it, but not innocent bystanders]].

* {{MacGuffin}}: The data drive - the ''real'' reason Alex and her crew were hired for the bank robbery. Its contents remain a mystery until the final scenes, when [[spoiler: Alex decrypts the contents with the assistance of a Main/TechnoWizard and discovers the senator's plan to destroy a building in the United States.]]

* MultipleGunshotDeath: [[spoiler: After being outsmarted, Mr. Washington finds himself surrounded by armed police outside the airport. He's about to surrender when Alex tricks him into reaching for his tie. She then [[HesGotAWeapon screams "Gun!"]] in feigned panic which prompts the nervous police officers to open fire.]]
* NoEscapeButDown: Alex escapes the hotel by using a steep laundry chute. Fortunately there is a basket of clothes at the end to break her fall.

* PreAssKickingOneLiner: During the attack on Penny Fuller's house, Mr. Monroe pursues her son Matthew to his fireplace hiding spot.

** The henchwoman takes her time beating up Fuller, forces him onto a bed, and digs her stiletto heels into his body. Then she stabs him so hard her blade ''passes through the mattress and frame''. She does this to the poor guy ''twice'', and the second time is fatal.
** While receiving instructions via phone, she's seen on a hotel rooftop with a powered circular saw.

* SamusIsAGirl: While the movie blurb telegraphs the reveal, Alex's body armour, full face mask and voice disguiser effectively conceal her gender before she is unmasked.
* SequelHook: By the end of the movie Alex has [[spoiler: dealt with Mr. Washington and his cleanup squad, but the BigBad senator remains at large to carry out his plan. Alex is determined to stop him, though.]]

* TheToothHurts: The bank manager loses one during the ''very first'' post-credits scene when he gets punched in the face. And ''gets it forcibly reinserted'' when Alex realises it's required to pass the vault's biometric scan.

** [[spoiler: Alex ''appears'' to succumb to Mr. Washington's mind games when he brings up her failed CIA mission that resulted in the deaths of several innocent children. However, this turns out to be a ruse.]]

--> '''Mr. Washington''': (yells) Where is the data drive!?

** Unstable bank robber Wayne is shot and killed during the opening heist sequence. All his dialogue is spoken while wearing a voice-distorting mask, and his face is only seen during one brief posthumous shot.
** The tall bald mook who shows up three quarters of the way in, only [[spoiler: to not say a single word, get kicked in the genitals by Alex, and executed with a head shot after a ''very'' brief struggle.]]

** During the opening heist sequence Alex is a blue-eyed redhead. After things go wrong, she dyes her hair black and uses green-tinted contact lenses to alter her apperance.

* WithThisHerring: After escaping from the hotel, Alex pays a visit to crew member Raymond at his loft safehouse. She's hoping to arm herself for the upcoming fight, but things [[{{Understatement}} don't exactly go as planned]].
** First Alex has to convince Raymond to let her in. Her initial offer of ''ten thousand dollars just to open the door'' gets his attention, but he remains reluctant. Alex has more joy when she informs Raymond the cleanup squad after her [[{{Revenge}} killed his best friend Kevin]].
** Once inside the safehouse Alex expects to see a WallOfWeapons, but all Raymond has is a [[ShotgunsAreJustBetter single shotgun]] (which he keeps for himself).

** A verbal example - Mr. Washington while interrogating Alex.
[[spoiler: --> '''Mr. Washington''': Figured you for a chess champ.]]

*** [[spoiler: Alex uses Mr. Washington's expert judge of character against him, letting him believe Kevin [[NoHonorAmongThieves double crossed her and swapped the real diamonds for worthless glass]] (in reality, she's working with his wife Penny). Alex plays the DeadpanSnarker while undergoing physical torture, but later pretends to conform to Washington's assertion that FemalesAreMoreInnocent and break down when he brings up her tragic CIA past.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex lets Mr, Washington see her brush pass with Penny at the airport, pretending to be sloppy because of her injury. This is an intentional DivideAndConquer strategy on her part that forces Mr. Washington to split up his team and send a henchman after Penny.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex acts reluctant to open the airport storage locker, making Washington think it's a trap. When he threatens to inform a security guard, Alex appears to relent. Then she hesitates several more times while opening the locker and metal case within. Only when Washington is finally convinced it's safe does he instruct Ms. Clinton to retrieve the data drive. Of course it was never there, and the case [[SomebodySetUpUsTheBomb does contain a bomb after all.]] ]]
*** [[spoiler: To elude the authorities, Alex borrows Jessica's decapitated head from the cleaners and cuts the cheek to match the description of a scarred woman from the bank robbery. Penny then retrieves the bagged head from the warehouse and [[FakingTheDead leaves it at the airport for the police to find]]. To add the finishing touch, some stolen diamonds are placed in the bag too. [[HeroismWontPayTheBills Penny gets to keep the rest of the jewels for services rendered.]] ]]

** When physical torture doesn't break [[spoiler: Alex at the warehouse, Washington changes his approach. He deduces her real identity is Alexis Faraday, and brings up her tragic past with the CIA. Washington goes into minute detail about her [[MyGreatestFailure failed mission seven years ago]] where a bomb blast missed its intended target (who escaped alive) and killed his innocent wife and children. Washington then threatens to kill Penny and her child if Alex doesn't help, [[ManipulativeBastard brutally toying with her emotions]]. The strategy works and a broken Alex agrees to hand over the data drive. [[TheChessmaster At least, that's what she wants Mr. Washington to believe.]] ]]
* {{Catfight}}: Subverted. Ms. Clinton is established as an Main/EvilCounterpart to Alex with ass-kicking abilities to match, leading the viewer to expect a confrontation, but [[spoiler: the two women never fight each other. Both get plenty of action, though.]]

** Mr. Washington plays chess and fancies himself a master. He prides himself on being GenreSavvy and outsmarting clever opponents, and knows what tactics to employ to gain their co-operation. He even points to a game in progress while interrogating Alex [[spoiler: at the warehouse]] and challenges her to a match. She isn't interested, though.

** However, it's [[spoiler: Alex]] who turns out to be the real chessmaster with a brilliantly planned and executed strategy that also includes moments of XanatosSpeedChess.
*** [[spoiler: Prior to her capture at the warehouse (which she plans for), Alex plants the coveted data drive on ''[[ItWasWithYouAllAlong Mr. Washington himself]]'' during a struggle, using his tie as a hiding place. This guarantees it's always close by.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex uses Mr. Washington's expert judge of character against him, letting him believe Kevin [[NoHonorAmongThieves double crossed her and swapped the real diamonds for fakes]]. She initally plays the DeadpanSnarker while undergoing physical torture, but later pretends to conform to Washington's gender stereotyping that FemalesAreMoreInnocent when he brings up her tragic CIA past. Only then does she pretend to break.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex lets Mr, Washington see her brush pass with Penny Fuller at the airport, pretending to be sloppy because of her injury. This is an intentional DivideAndConquer strategy on her part that forces Mr. Washington to split up his team and send a henchman after Penny.]]

*** [[spoiler: To elude the authorities, Alex borrows Jessica's decapitated head from the cleaners and cuts the cheek to match the description of a scarred woman from the bank robbery. Penny then retrieves it from the warehouse and [[FakingTheDead leaves the head in a handbag at the airport for security to find]]. To add the finishing touch, some stolen diamonds are placed in the bag too. [[HeroismWontPayTheBills Penny gets to keep the rest of the jewels for services rendered.]] ]]

*** Even more explicit lampshading later.

* DarkActionGirl: Brutal henchwoman Ms. Clinton is a skilled combatant who [[CurbStompBattle effortlessly kickboxes Fuller to a pulp]] in a display of strength. In the climatic fight scene [[spoiler: at the airport, she takes on and defeats ''multiple security guards'' armed with truncheons and sidearms. And she starts the battle with ''no weapons of her own''.]]

* DisposingOfABody: As one might expect, the cleaners are very skilled in this field. Also done by Alex when she torches the heist getaway vehicle with Wayne's body inside.

* TheChessmaster: Examples with actual chess terminology.
** Mr. Washington plays chess and fancies himself a master. He prides himself on being GenreSavvy and outsmarting clever opponents, and knows what tactics to employ to gain their co-operation. He even points to a game in progress while interrogating Alex [[spoiler: at the warehouse]] and challenges her. She isn't interested, though.

** However, it's [[spoiler: Alex]] who turns out to be the real master.
*** [[spoiler: Prior to her capture at the warehouse (which she plans for), Alex plants the coveted data drive on ''[[ItWasWithYouAllAlong Mr. Washington himself]]'' during a struggle, using his tie as a hiding place. This guarantees it's always close by in case things go wrong.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex uses Mr. Washington's expert judge of character against him, letting him believe Kevin [[NoHonorAmongThieves double crossed her and swapped the real diamonds for fakes]]. She initally plays the badass DeadpanSnarker while undergoing physical torture, but later pretends to be conform to Washington's gender stereotyping that FemalesAreMoreInnocent when he brings up her tragic past. Only after that does she pretend to cooperate.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex lets Mr, Washington see her brush pass with Penny Fuller at the airport, pretending to be sloppy because she's injured. This is an intentional DivideAndConquer strategy that forces Mr. Washington to split up his team and send a henchman after Penny.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex seems reluctant to open the airport storage locker, making Washington think it's a trap. When he threatens to inform a security guard about her, Alex appears to relent. Then she hesitates several more times while opening the locker and metal case within. Only when Washington is convinced it's safe does he instruct Ms. Clinton to retrieve the data drive. Of course it was never there, and the case does contain [[SomebodySetUpUsTheBomb a bomb after all.]] ]]
*** Lampshaded in a post-reveal exchange between Alex and Mr. Washington.
---> '''Alex:''' I had to let you catch me, otherwise this wouldn't have worked.
---> '''Mr. Washington:''' You... [[MagnificentBastard MAGNIFICENT BITCH!]]
*** More lampshading later on.
---> '''Alex:''' Queen to bishop five. Checkmate.

** Mr. Washington plays chess and fancies himself a master. More than once he outsmarts clever opponents and knows what tactics to use to gain their co-operation. He even points to a playing board and pieces while interrogating Alex [[spoiler: at the warehouse]] and offers her a game. She isn't interested, though.

*** [[spoiler: Prior to her capture at the warehouse (which she anticpates and plans for), she plants the coveted data drive on ''Mr. Washington himself'', using ''his tie'' as a hiding place. This guarantees it's always close to her in case things go wrong.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex uses Mr. Washington's expert judge of character against him, letting him believe Kevin double crossed her and swapped the real diamonds for fakes. She initally [[DeadpanSnarker acts badass]] while undergoing physical torture, but later pretends to be conform to Washington's gender stereotyping that FemalesAreInnocent and acts upset when he brings up her tragic CIA past.]]
*** [[spoiler: When Mr. Washington wounds Alex to reduce her physical capability, he thinks he has the upper hand. She feigns fear to reinforce his belief.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex lets Mr, Washington see her brush pass with Penny Fuller, pretending to be sloppy because she's injured. This is an intended DivideAndConquer strategy that makes Mr. Washington split up his team and send a henchman after Penny.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex initially refuses to open the airport storage locker herself, making Washington think it's a trap. When he threatens to tell a security guard about Alex, she appears to relent. Then she hesitates several times while opening the locker. Only when he's convinced it's safe does he instruct Ms. Clinton to retrieve the diamonds. It turns out they were never there, and the package is a bomb after all.]]

** However, it's [[spoiler: Alex]] who turns out to be the real master of the game.
*** [[spoiler: Prior to capture (which she anticpates and plans for), she plants the data drive on ''Mr. Washington himself'', using the tie as a hiding place. This guarantees it's always close to her in case things go wrong.]]
*** [[spoiler: Alex uses Mr. Washington's expert judge of character against him, letting him believe Kevin double crossed her and swapped the real diamonds for fakes. She acts [[DeadpanSnarker all badass]] while undergoing physical torture, but later pretends to be conform to his gender stereotyping and acts upset when Washington brings up her tragic past.]]

* WeHardlyKnewYe: Unstable bank robber Wayne is shot and killed during the opening heist sequence. All his dialogue is spoken from behind a mask, and his face is only seen for one brief shot.

** So the only (negative) outcome of Alex's visit is a HostageForMacGuffin situation.

** During the final scenes, [[spoiler: the senator repeats these lines in a conversation with senior military officials. This time, there are additional lines of dialogue that reveal his EvilPlan to cause large-scale damage in Chicago and start a war.]]

* BreakThemByTalking: A tactic employed by Mr. Washington.

** When physical torture doesn't break [[spoiler: Alex at the warehouse, Washington changes his approach. He deduces her real identity is Alexis Faraday, and brings up her tragic past. Washington goes into minute detail about her [[MyGreatestFailure failed mission seven years ago]] where a bomb blast missed the intended target (who escaped alive) and killed his innocent wife and children. To rub salt in her wounds, he mentions how the CIA cut ties with Alex and framed her as a treacherous double agent. Washington then threatens to kill Penny and her child if Alex doesn't help him, [[ManipulativeBastard toying with her emotions]]. The strategy works and a broken Alex agrees to hand over the data drive. [[TheChessmaster At least, that's what she wants Mr. Washington to believe.]] ]]

** When he confronts the blackmailer Jessica at the hotel, he needs a passcode to access her mobile phone. She initially refuses to provide it reasoning that he'll kill her anyway. Washington doesn't deny this, but promises her a quick death if she co-operates. These words - said with iciness - are enough to break her resolve.
** When physical torture doesn't break [[spoiler: Alex at the warehouse, Washington changes tactic. He deduces her real identity is Alexis Faraday, and brings up her tragic past. Washington goes into minute detail about her failed mission seven years ago where a bomb blast missed the intended target (who escaped alive) and killed his innocent wife and children. Washington then threatens Penny and her son with the same fate, [[ManipulativeBastard toying with Alex's emotions]]. The strategy works and a broken Alex agrees to hand over the data drive.]]

* DarkActionGirl: Brutal henchwoman Ms. Clinton is a skilled combatant who [[CurbStompBattle effortlessly kickboxes Fuller to a pulp]] in a display of strength. In the climatic fight scene [[spoiler: at the airport, she defeats ''multiple'' police officers armed with truncheons and sidearms. And she starts the fight with ''no weapons of her own''.]]

* PreAssKickingOneLiner: During the attack on Penny Fuller's house, the assassin Mr. Monroe pursues her son Matthew.

--> '''Alex:''' (sneaks up behind him) I do.
* PreMortemOneLiner: Happens to the ''same'' hitman mentioned above, just before Alex stabs him.

--> '''Alex:''' No, but you're in the right ball park.
* {{Sadist}}: Ms. Clinton clearly enjoys her work.

** Later on she tortures [[spoiler: Alex with [[ElectricTorture electric shock treatment]] ]].
* SamusIsAGirl: While the movie's blurb telegraphs this, Alex's body armour, full face mask and voice disguiser effectively conceal her gender before the bank heist reveal.

** An anti-hero example occurs when Alex eliminates her dangerously psychotic crew member Wayne during the bank heist. Justified since he would have killed her otherwise.

Wanted by the authorities and with few allies to call on, Alex's options are limited. Unfortunately for the bad guys, it seems she went to the same badass training academy as [[Film/{{Taken}} Bryan Mills]] and her "very particular set of skills" include martial arts, marksmanship and deception. [[Main/OneManArmy Not a woman to trifle with.]]

No connection whatsoever to the [[Film/Momentum2003 2003 TV Movie of the same name]] starring Louis Gossett Jr. and Creator/TeriHatcher.

* AxCrazy: Drugged up crew member Wayne, who goes all psycho during the bank robbery. First he threatens a little girl by pointing a gun in her face. Then he takes it out on a security guard who barely flinched, holds ''him'' at gunpoint and starts quoting DirtyHarry. Finally the nutter waves a GrenadeLauncher around just itching to [[TriggerHappy squeeze the trigger]]. Alex wisely decides to put a bullet in him.

* BaldOfEvil: Two of Mr. Washington's hit squad. The first is a [[KnifeNut knife-wielding thug]] who likes to rape female captives, and the second is a [[TheVoiceless nameless mute]] who handles torture equipment.

** During the final scenes, [[spoiler: the senator repeats these lines in a conversation with top military officials. This time, there are additional lines of dialogue that reveal his EvilPlan to cause large-scale damage in Chicago and start a war.]]

** First to die is Kevin's blackmail partner Jessica, by Mr. Washington's hand.
** Henchmen [[spoiler: Mr. Jefferson]] and [[spoiler: Ms. Clinton]] go out like this. Plus [[spoiler: the unnamed bald thug who shows up for Alex's torture scene]].

* ImprovisedWeapon: Occurs repeatedly during the confrontation at Penny Fuller's house.
** Alex uses a broken garden lamp as a makeshift pole.