Critics Have Seen Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera, And Most Agree Gerard Butler’s Buddy Heist Movie Is ‘Too Much Fun’

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Shortly following the 2018 premiere of “Den of Thieves,” writer/director Christian Gudegast commenced work on a sequel for the heist film. Seven years have passed since then, and in 2025, the character Big Nick returns, marking his presence on the movie calendar with “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.” This time around, Gerard Butler’s character is chasing O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s Donnie Wilson, who has fled to Europe and intends to carry out a fresh robbery. Since critics had an early peek at the film before its January 10 release in theaters, we can now gather their thoughts on this follow-up installment.

In terms of narrative progression, a gap of seven years might have transpired in reality, but “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” continues exactly where its 2018 version ended, with Nick O’Brien still grappling with his loss to the thief. The character Big Nick pursues Donnie, leading to an unexpectedly enjoyable experience, as expressed by Christian Zilko of IndieWire, who assigns it a B grade. Despite its release in mid-January and the ludicrous subtitle, the film featuring Gerard Butler proves to be much more engaging than one might anticipate, according to the critic, who adds that it’s a lot more fun than it should be.

In a shift from the traditional cat-and-mouse game, Pantera chooses to present an amusing dynamic akin to a buddy comedy, featuring two captivating characters. The character Big Nick is a larger-than-life caricature, a blend of testosterone and self-criticism, taking his tasks with such over-the-top seriousness that it’s challenging not to be drawn into his comedic escapades. Jackson delivers an even more charming portrayal of Ronnie in this sequel, providing the ideal contrast to Big Nick’s intensity through his whiz kid allure. Gudegast maintains the swift pace of action sequences, ensuring that you’ll be too entertained to pause and question the rationality of any of it.

Chris Bumbray from JoBlo finds it a “Good” 7 out of 10. Initially having low expectations, he was pleasantly taken aback by the sleek follow-up. Bumbray expresses that Pantera is far more entertaining than the initial film, offering a refreshing European-influenced atmosphere. He even speculates that we might see Den of Thieves 3 in the future. Furthermore, he adds that the movie delivers an enjoyable experience overall.

In contrast to the first movie, Den of Thieves 2 manages to maintain tension more effectively despite its lengthy runtime (over 140 minutes), primarily because it’s more concentrated compared to the original film. The initial Den of Thieves, in an attempt to honor [Michael] Mann’s work, devoted excessive time to less captivating peripheral characters, which diluted their emotional impact. However, in this sequel, Gudegast avoids that pitfall by keeping Butler and/or Jackson consistently present on screen. This focus leads to a thrilling heist sequence capped off by an impressive car chase/shootout scene, skillfully choreographed.

Matt Schimkowitz from AV Club grades Den of Thieves 2 with a B-, noting that this sequel is more lighthearted compared to the original film. Christian Gudegast has intentionally reduced the moral complexities and intensified the characters’ charm and likeability, resulting in a “humorous and friendly heist.” According to Schimkowitz, this change makes for an entertaining viewing experience.

Instead of ramping up conflicts, Gudegast opts for a less intense approach in his sequel. The atmosphere of Pantera leans more towards Tenet than Thief, and yet it suits Butler and Gudegast, pushing them out of their familiar territory to create a unique cinematic experience. With an emphasis on humor and the camaraderie between its leads, Pantera is action-light and dialogue-heavy, featuring moments of Nick and Donnie scooter mishaps and burping after eating shawarma. The film’s success hinges significantly on the chemistry between Butler and Jackson, relying partly on Butler’s rugged charm to win over viewers.

According to Owen Gleiberman from Variety, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” delivers as an impressive imitation of a top-tier crime flick. Gerard Butler’s performance is strong enough to elevate “what could have been a pulp piece” to almost resemble a genuine movie. The critic further praises the film by stating that it manages to make you feel like you are watching a real motion picture.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself questioning the reality of the heist in Den of Thieves 2 for about 25 minutes. However, Gudegast’s casual approach to plausibility kept me engaged and entertained throughout. He masterfully crafted intense mano-a-mano standoffs that were electrifying to watch. Moreover, his knack for highlighting Butler as a rugged, disheveled character who embodies elements of Dirty Harry, Popeye Doyle, Lethal Weapon, and a lone wolf was truly captivating. It’s like watching a glamorous, gritty spin-off of these iconic characters all rolled into one.

Frank Scheck of THR expresses a different perspective, not particularly excited about the sequel or the bromance between Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. In his opinion, the chemistry between them doesn’t live up to what the director envisioned. Furthermore, he finds the film’s lengthy runtime to be more tiresome rather than energizing. In his words:

“This heist movie feels more numbing than invigorating.

One of Nick’s police partners muses early on, ‘Aren’t we past wrapping this up by now?’ This thought might cross the minds of viewers as the movie drags on for what feels like an eternity. Butler skillfully uses his gritty charm in this role, although he shines brighter in the Has Fallen series and unexpectedly entertaining films like Plane. However, Jackson appears to struggle, making his character seem more submissive and responsive rather than menacing.

If you’re prepared to temporarily detach from everyday life (perhaps for an extended duration) to enjoy this buddy heist film, you could be in store for a fun experience. If Den of Thieves 2: Pantera seems like the perfect mid-January movie you’ve been searching for, you can catch it at the cinema right now.

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2025-01-10 22:08