‘Den of Thieves’ Fans Need to Watch Denzel Washington’s ‘Inside Man’

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  • What Is ‘Inside Man’ About?
  • How Are ‘Inside Man’ and ‘Den of Thieves’ Similar Movies?

For a while now, the 2018 heist thriller “Den of Thieves,” starring Gerard Butler, has been a top pick on Max’s list. In this movie, we follow Detective Nick O’Brien (played by Gerard Butler), who works for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. His team is determined to take down Ray Merrimen (portrayed by Pablo Schreiber) and his band of local crooks. The sequel to this film is currently playing in cinemas.

Just out from serving time, I, along with my crew – ex-elite MARSOC Marines, mind you – aren’t your average hoodlums prowling the streets. We’re a team of exceptional thieves, and our latest target? The impenetrable Federal Reserve building in the city. After successfully emptying several banks, we thought it was time to hang up our masks. But one last job… that’s what they say, right?

“Den of Thieves,” this gritty crime thriller, isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s raw, it’s intense, and it doesn’t shy away from showcasing its characters’ flaws. But if you’re a fan of the genre, it’s an electrifying addition that you won’t want to miss.

Although there are numerous heist films available, some can appear repetitive or dull. However, Den of Thieves manages to avoid this pitfall, offering an intense and fulfilling viewing experience instead. Just like Den of Thieves, many heist thrillers keep viewers guessing until the very end, with layers of intrigue that make them hard to predict. If you’re a fan of Den of Thieves, you might also appreciate Denzel Washington’s 2006 heist thriller, Inside Man. It’s an excellent pick for your next movie night. Directed by Spike Lee and featuring a talented cast, Inside Man was a box office success upon its release, earning more than four times its production budget of $45 million. Even after almost 20 years, it remains Lee’s most financially successful film to date.

What Is ‘Inside Man’ About?

The movie titled “Inside Man” tells a complex story about a bank robbery at the Manhattan Trust bank, where the main characters are Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), a skilled bank robber, and Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington), a determined police detective who finds himself in a standoff with Russell during the heist. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that this situation is fraught with secrets. The bank’s founder, Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer), enlists the help of a powerful broker named Madeleine White (Jodie Foster) to manage the evolving circumstances. However, their presence seems to complicate matters for Frazier and his pursuit of Russell. Since Case is eager to recover something crucial from within the bank without setting off any alarms, he inadvertently creates another obstacle for the detective.

In every move, it seems as if Frazier is playing catch-up. Moreover, he’s finding it difficult to decipher Dalton’s intentions. Unlike other criminals, Dalton, in a calm and measured manner, along with his associates, seems to be deliberately slowing things down during the meticulously planned robbery. This doesn’t add up, leaving Frazier puzzled. The situation is further complicated as Frazier is eager to redeem himself after a recent scandal, but he’s unsure about Dalton and his methods.

How Are ‘Inside Man’ and ‘Den of Thieves’ Similar Movies?

Apart from sharing the same film genre, Inside Man and Den of Thieves share similar entertainment value. Both are excellent choices for a casual movie night, managing to keep viewers engaged throughout their playtime. Despite having extended runtimes that might seem lengthy at times, neither of these films overstays its welcome. Intriguingly, both movies demonstrate a sense of self-awareness and stay true to their purpose. Moreover, you won’t find themselves lost in a complex plotline as is common with such films.

Without a doubt, while these movies possess distinctly unique moods, they both enthrall audiences with engaging and enjoyable narratives that revolve around bank robbers and their pursuers in law enforcement. Despite their contrasting atmospheres, they manage to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Heist films may not all be the same, but these movies undeniably represent various aspects of the heist genre, making them appealing to a broad audience.

It’s reasonable to say that Inside Man might outshine Den of Thieves as a heist movie. While the latter is heavy on action, guns, and strong-willed characters, the former stands out with its depth, humor, and more intricate plotline. Fans of Den of Thieves will likely appreciate Inside Man, but it may not work the same way around. The former is a film that can be enjoyed superficially, whereas the latter challenges viewers to ponder a bit more. Each has its niche and offers unique enjoyment in their respective ways.

Right now, you can stream “Den of Thieves” on Max, while “Den of Thieves 2: Panthera” is being shown in cinemas. If you’re interested, you can purchase or rent “Inside Man” through Amazon Prime Video.

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2025-01-13 00:01