Sunday, March 21, 2010

Inside Man (2006) R - 3½ Stars

This is not your typical bank robbery, with Clive Owne playing a mastermind thief, in this good suspenseful thriller. Foster plays an high paid determined executive that throws an edge where you're not sure if she's actually one of the good or bad guys. Denzal has some great one liners but Denzal is Denzal adding his usual cockiness to his character. With lots of suspense and not a give away ending, you think you've just witnessed the "perfect" bank robbery.

Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), it somewhat of a perfectionist. He's been planning the perfect bank robbery for awhile. Why? Because he's entirely sure he can get away with it. With his arrogant, yet calm manner, he takes over a Wall Street Branch of the Manhattan Trust Financial Institution in broad daylight. Along with his three coverts dressed as painters, they enter the bank taking everyone inside hostage.

Along with Emergency Services Unit (ESU) Captain John Darius, NYPD hostage negotiators, Detective Keith Frazier's (Denzal Washington), and Bill Mitchell (Chiwetel Ejiofor), arrive on the scene to negotiate the safe release of the 50 plus hostages. But their job will not be easy as Russell seemingly is calling all the shots as he's covered all bases and cleverly outwits the police, staying one step ahead. The bank president Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer), fears the police his precious banking career at risk and hires high roller Madeline White (Jodie Foster), who requested a private meeting with Russell. It seems she has compelling negotiation of her own.

Awards Include:
2006 - American Film Institute - Best Picture

Imagine Entertainment, Universal Pictures, United International Pictures (UIP)
Director: Spike Lee
Writer: Russell Gewirtz
Producer: Brian Grazer
I viewed 1/10

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