Movie Review: “Inside Man”

Dan and I recently saw “Inside Man,” Spike Lee takes on the heist flick. It’s his best movie since “He Got Game,” or maybe “25th Hour.”

I hate movie reviews that use most of the words to explain the plot, so I’m going to skip that. Basically, you have bank robbers trying to pull off the perfect heist. The twists are interesting, although Dan and I figured out most of them before they were revealed. It’s still an interesting, fun, surprising movie.

Denzel Washington’s character is a seasoned cop just beginning a new position as a hostage negotiator. It’s an interesting character twist: He’s been on the job a long time and knows what he’s doing, but he’s a novice as a negotiator. He’s cocky, but not completely sure of himself. Denzel exudes great power on the screen; he plays the cocky male very well. He's ofen shot from behind while walking, and there’s something about the swagger in his haunches that captures his cocksure attitude.

Clive Owen is just damn cool throughout the movie; he has the sardonic laugh down pat. He's sexy as hell, so 100% male. His is a great character, and Clive brings a lot to the role. My only complaint about his performance: They kept that amazing face behind a mask too much for my taste.

There’s great chemistry between Denzel Washington and Clive Owen; you can tell they — both the actors and the characters — are having fun playing against each other. I found myself cheering on Denzel to catch the bad guys and Clive to get away with it.

Jodie Foster played an interesting character: that person who knows everyone and can get anything done. She’s mysterious, not really legit. Jodie’s only in a few scenes, and I walked out of the theater a little puzzled and wondering where she got the power and knowledge, who she is and what she does — but I guess that’s what Spike was going for.

The dessert to the movie entrée: Spike Lee has some great cinematic shots, just because. And there’s an interesting moment between Clive Owen and an eight-year-old kid from Brooklyn; it doesn’t move the plot along, but it’s an interesting, quiet statement.

The soundtrack is great; in fact, I ordered it today (I’ll follow up with a review on that once I’ve had a listen). There’s a Bollywood feel to some of the tracks that worked well with the action.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5.

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