‘Den of Thieves 2’ Review | Riveting but Bloated

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As a cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that in the sequel to “Den of Thieves,” titled “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, ” my favorite tough-as-nails cop, Detective ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien, played by none other than Gerard Butler, is going rogue and embracing the gangster life. The man who gave us unforgettable performances in movies like “Plane” and “How to Train Your Dragon” has proven time and again that he can deliver raw emotion and authenticity, and this role will be no exception. Joining him once more is the brilliant O’Shea Jackson Jr., reprising his role as the cunning heist mastermind, Donnie.

In the first film, Detective Butler chased after Jackson in a meticulously crafted cat-and-mouse heist story. The second film, written and directed by Christian Gudegast, presents a fresh take on the original plot. Instead of pursuing Donnie, Big Nick gets drawn into a complex European diamond heist. Interestingly, his partner in this venture is none other than the man he’s been after all along – Donnie. This change of roles sets up 2025’s first subversive buddy movie, although it’s worth noting that like many buddy films, its execution can be hit-and-miss.

It’s Good to See These Guys Again

The positive news is that Butler and Jackson will return to their respective roles. However, the director’s stubbornness about this being a classic heist movie raises some concerns. This film seems to aspire to emulate the style of 1969’s “The Italian Job,” as well as incorporate elements from 2001’s “Heist,” 1981’s “Thief,” and 1995’s “Heat.” The overall atmosphere, while ambitious, may come off as forced or excessive, given its runtime of approximately two and a half hours.

After Big Nick and Donnie form their partnership, Gudegast’s script skillfully portrays their evolving dynamic as they navigate through a fresh crop of treacherous villains without meeting an untimely end. The film excels when it blends exhilarating action scenes with tension, but can seem heavy-handed due to the filmmakers’ efforts to be subtly intricate and lay groundwork for another sequel. This overzealousness in constructing a more intricate heist storyline sets us up for potential sequel, Den of Thieves 3.

In the opening of “Den of Thieves,” it’s clear that Big Nick feels deeply embarrassed due to being tricked by Donnie during their heist at the Los Angeles Federal Reserve Bank. His life spirals out of control, as he’s taken off the force and his wife initiates divorce proceedings. Consumed by anger over how Donnie outwitted him, we discover more about Donnie’s vanishing act into the criminal underworld in Europe. A major scheme is on the horizon, and vengeful Big Nick is determined to get it. However, destiny seems to have other ideas for this man.

Gerard Butler Helps You Stay Patient

It takes some time before we fully immerse ourselves in the world of Team Nick & Donnie. The plot thickens as Donnie devises an intricate heist modeled after the 2003 Antwerp diamond heist in Europe. This adds a layer of complexity to both the narrative and execution, making it even more engaging for any fan of diamond heist tales. Here, we’re given a glimpse into the dark underbelly of European crime, where a monumental robbery is on the horizon.

Thankfully, the collaboration between Big Nick and Donnie seems authentic and skillfully crafted; it could have easily ended up disastrous. Instead, it paves the way for these adversaries to unexpectedly form an alliance. Their mission is to infiltrate one of the impregnable World Diamond Centers located in Antwerp, Belgium. Along with their associates, they embark on this adventure across the Mediterranean, transforming a traditional hideout into a unique bandit’s lair.

In essence, the movie delivers and, if you’re willing to give it some time to get started, there’s entertainment to be enjoyed. Given that it’s Gerard Butler, it’s difficult to make a mistake, and in his extensive acting career, it’s pleasing to see him remaining passionate about the roles he chooses. Butler immerses himself deeply into this version of Big Nick, a performance that justifies the ticket price on its own.

Thrilling Action Sequences and Drag-Out Fights

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In the movie “Den of Thieves,” it is clear that director Christian Gudegast has a strong affinity for heist films. However, the film occasionally drags due to its alternation between extensive plot development and intense action sequences. This shifting rhythm gives the movie an uneven pace, making it feel somewhat familiar, as if you had watched a similar production recently on a popular streaming platform. The viewer often finds themselves either lost in thought or jolted back to attention to catch every detail, of which there are numerous.

Once more, the entire cast, stunning backdrops, and well-crafted action scenes by Gudegast are nothing short of amazing. The movie presents a recurring theme: Nick respects Donnie’s intellect but also desires another opportunity to capture him. This balance is effectively portrayed. Connoisseurs of intricate heist films will be delighted by the richness and complexity this film provides, as well as its multi-layered narrative structure. For example, a plane carrying diamonds from Johannesburg gets hijacked in Brussels, and thieves dressed as Police Federale SWAT team members make off with jewels worth tens of millions. A massive pink diamond serves as an enticing lure. The French police chief (Yasen Zates Atour) suspects the Panthers, a skilled gang of Balkan thieves, for this crime.

In the beginning, Donnie works alongside the Panthers, disguising himself as a genuine gem dealer. This allows us to witness various undercover activities and tough characters who will later engage in intense confrontations with Big Nick, portrayed by Butler – moments that might leave you gasping for breath. Pay close attention to the exceptional performances of Salvatore Esposito (as Slavko), Orli Shuka (as Dragan), Cristian Solimeno (Florentin), Dino Kelly (as Marko), and Rico Verhoeven (as Vigo) as they bring their scenes to life.

The Den Is Getting a Bit Crowded

In addition to an already action-packed movie, we introduce Matteo “The Octopus” Venzolasca (Adriano Chiaramida), a Mafia boss irate over the theft of his prized pink diamond. He demands its return at any cost, which sets off a complex web of plotlines, confrontations, and high-speed chases to follow. The stunning Mediterranean backdrop adds an extra layer of excitement, including a breathtaking car chase high above the landscape. Kudos to Gudegast for using the all-electric Porsche Taycan for these exhilarating scenes!

In Den of Thieves: Pantera, set to hit theaters on January 10 from Lionsgate, the line between law enforcement and criminal activity is delicately balanced, yet not excessively so. The narrative aims to shed light on the fact that both cops and criminals are intricate and flawed, much like its predecessor. This focus on character depth gives the film a realistic, sharp edge. Additionally, the buddy-movie dynamic enhances the storyline as we discover more about characters Big Nick and Donnie, questioning whether they’ll team up again or engage in another thrilling game of cat and mouse. Keep an eye out; this den is set to grow bigger!

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2025-01-10 11:32