Inside Man

I wouldn’t have thought that a film about a bank heist could include humorous elements, but Spike Lee proved me wrong. The main strength of the film is that something is always happening. The actual bank invasion occurs right at the beginning, and the pace truly doesn’t let up. The cast also contributed significantly, especially the charismatic and cunning thief Clive Owen and Denzel Washington as the detective, who is clever and has some great lines. I also can’t forget to mention Jodie Foster, who delivered an outstanding performance. Don’t expect over-the-top action here, but rather clever dialogues with a really well-crafted story. The music fit the film perfectly (though I should note that I wouldn’t listen to it on its own under normal circumstances). The ending really caught me off guard, as it was original and completely unpredictable. It’s clear that true professionals were involved in this film, which is reflected in its overall quality. I give it 80%. (2017-02-08)

A very pleasant surprise. At the beginning Inside Man seems like a simple bank robbery movie, but it would have to be made by someone else and not Spike Lee for this to be true. Whatever you think might happen you will be wrong and that’s the magic of the whole movie which is filled with great acting performances. Clive Owen is cool even though his face is hidden behind a mask throughout the movie and I just dig his cool, languid walk. Denzel Washington is a pleasantly down to earth policeman and Willem Dafoe doesn’t play a baddy for a change. Simply a movie full of surprises. Pleasant surprises. (2006-09-29)

The perfect heist? Yeah, right! Rather, in terms of logic, a perfectly haphazard xth variation on the bank robbery. Logically leaky both in the point of the action of the robbers, however spectacular, and in the actions of the bank boss (who was he saving the compromising materials for?). The fact that Spike Lee once again stood his ground is a poor excuse. I was pleased with his subtle political allusions, although they were not nearly as strong as Norton's confession in 25th Hour, I was pleased with his sense of black humour, and although the film moves along briskly and doesn't get boring, I definitely expected more from a filmmaker with such a big name than just a wannabe spectacular and contrived story. (2006-09-24)

Denzel Washington's dashing detective, Clive Owen's charismatic thief and the most sophisticated bank heist ever portrayed on film. Inside Man is really hard to describe if you haven't come across the specific approach Spike Lee takes to all his films. But if you’re already familiar with his impressive precision, attention to detail, and his careful development of the main characters, you can imagine that two whole hours are not nearly enough for a story full of twists, turns, eavesdropping, political interests, and millions of dollars. The film simply has "balls", there is always something going on, there isn’t a single moment or shot that is superfluous or even meaningless in the sum total, and you can’t help but smile at the entire crew and cast for what a suspenseful and gripping thriller they have made, and in just one building. Even Sydney Lumet and his famous Dog Day Afternoon would applaud it. 95% (2012-11-21)

Overcomplicated and yet unfinished. Spike Lee's storytelling style just doesn't sit well with me. After The 25th Hour, he once again failed to capture my attention in the first half, only to deliver an almost beautiful ending. This was mainly aided by the brilliant Clive Owen, and yet despite its omniscience and supposed lightness, this piece failed in a most striking way. (2006-12-16)