Inside Man (2006)

Spike Lee scored his biggest hit to date with Inside Man, an unconventional thriller with fascinating details in the margins of its convoluted plot. The screenplay (by first-timer Russell Gerwitz) could've used a few more rewrites; it moves at a brisk pace but in hindsight a lot of it doesn't make sense. That makes Inside Man more fun to watch than to think about afterwards (when you discover plot holes big enough to drive a truck through), but it's curiously involving, especially as NYPD Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) struggles to outsmart a high-stakes bank robber (Clive Owen) who, along with a well-trained crew of accomplices, has seized control of a Wall Street bank, turning what initially looks like a hostage crisis into a personal crusade to expose some mysterious evil secrets. As you might expect from the director of Do the Right Thing, Lee seizes several satisfying opportunities to examine post-9/11 issues of racial prejudice and domestic terrorism, and the mysterious "problem solver" Madeline White (Jodie Foster), as eerily sinister as she is vaguely defined, is worthy of her own movie. With the benefit of his most stellar cast to date (including Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe and Chiwetel Ejiofor), Lee seems more interested in character details than well-crafted suspense, but that doesn't stop Inside Man from being engrossing, subtly amusing, and quirky enough to qualify as a welcomed break from the formulaic thrillers that are Hollywood's bread and butter. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

It's lacking some, but it makes up for it elsewhere...

This film feels off when you compare it to the other films given to us by Spike Lee. I'm not saying that is a bad thing (we all know that I am not the biggest Spike Lee fan) but the fact that it doesn't truly feel like a Spike Lee film is significant. Sure, Lee inserts his views on race relations when he has the chance (please get off it for once) but the brisk pace and overall plot development feel like something far removed from director Spike Lee. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing to the viewer is entirely up to that individual.

Personally I found the pacing a welcomed change. It was easier to follow and more engaging than some of Lee's more preachy endeavors, and while it lacks the depth and pristine command that Lee exhibited in `25th Hour' it manages to keep my interest throughout.

I was entertained.

At the films open we are introduced to Dalton Russell. Pay close attention for he chooses his words carefully. He basically tells you all the films secrets in the opening scene, but you won't get it, at least not yet. He is going to rob a bank. Next thing you know the bank is sealed and Dalton and his accomplices take everyone hostage, making them don jumpsuits and stripping them of their cell phones and keys. Outside the bank Detective Keith Frazier (in search of a promotion) takes on the task of negotiating the safety of the hostages with Dalton, but there is no outsmarting that man who has no doubt thought this through.

Sadly, it feels at times like the screenwriter didn't do the same. There are plot holes that stick out like sore thumbs, especially as the plot twists start revealing themselves. The side plot involving Arthur Case (the bank owner) and the `fixer' he hires is a tad convoluted and needed a little tweaking. Parts of the execution regarding Dalton's escape are also a bit of a stretch, but it's nothing that takes away from the enjoyment of the film.

Just don't think about it too hard.

The performances are a delight here though. Clive Owen is a very effective actor who has consistently presented himself wonderfully on screen. He's able to engage the audience from the moment he opens his mouth (that voice) but he also has the ability to sustain our attention with the light in his eyes. Denzel Washington was a nice surprise here as well. He was able to keep his charm controlled as apposed to allowing it to run wild as he often does. This is probably one of his better performances, for he found the proper balance in his style of acting. Christopher Plummer does what he can with his character, and he does it very well; but he is upstaged (as is everyone) by Jodie Foster. Seriously, what in the world has she been doing? Where was this amazing and commanding force back when she was winning Oscars for performances that were beneath her obviously? I mean what she does here is leagues ahead of a lot of her more acclaimed performances.

LOVED IT!!!

In the end `Inside Man' is a very interesting and enjoyable heist film. It is not as smart as it appears to be, nor as intelligent as it wants to be, but it is as fun as it claims to be so check it out. The performances and the quick paced action will keep you glued even if the films preposterousness wages war on you later on. Just turn your mind off for a few hours and enjoy a good popcorn flick. December 24, 2008

Almost perfect.

Besides the great story, the acting, the cinematography then there is the music.
I can watch this movie over and over.
I am just waiting on the BlueRay version to buy it.

This is Hollywood at it's best.
You think they could make more like these more often.

Thank you. December 19, 2008

must watch

Just a great movie with great acting !!!! this movie was under advertised but was recommended by a friend. We could not believe how good it was we did not even know it was in the cinema. You will not be disappointed rent it now November 28, 2008

Slick Production

Spike Lee has directed a well crafted heist flick. Inside Man never sags and its all-star cast keeps the viewer glued to the storyline. Like all hostage negotiator films, Inside Man is a test of wits, but in this case the audience finds itself rooting for the negotiator (Danzel Washington) and the criminal (Clive Owen).

Heist films usually flip the audience sympathies to the criminal side and hostage negotiator stories always pull for the brainy police specialist, so this dual audience loyalty is a feat of storytelling. It is accomplished by establishing an antagonist not directly connected to the two main characters. The strength and venomousness of the antagonists makes or breaks action pictures. (You can't be heroic fighting against a wimpy bad guy.) Jodie Foster is so believable as a villain that she successfully deflects the audience wrath away from the two main contestants.

This is a stylish film, tightly edited with a great cast.

The Shut Mouth Society
The Shopkeeper November 10, 2008

Entertaining heist flick with some great back story

Very entertaining film with some spot on acting. Denzel is always strong, and thoroughly enjoyed Jodie Foster's character. Clive Owen was a big surprise for me as I normally am not a huge fan, but thought he was great to watch. The film plays a bit with some rashomonesque story telling and flashes, and it's intriguing to see the plot play out. A little bit long towards the end, but usually Spike Lee films are. The ending was a bit too pat for my tastes as well, but very much enjoyed it overall. Watched via Amazon on-demand as well, which worked pretty well for me. October 19, 2008

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