Gerard Butler’s ‘Den of Thieves’ Gets a Second Life on Streaming

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As someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinematic heists and thrilling action sequences, I must admit that “Den of Thieves” has managed to carve out a unique niche for itself in my personal top-ten list. The film, directed by Christian Gudegast, offers a gritty, adrenaline-fueled tale that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

2018’s action-packed heist movie, “Den of Thieves,” directed, written, and produced by Christian Gudegast, has made its way onto Max’s Top Ten list. The story revolves around Detective Nick O’Brien (Gerard Butler), a deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who is determined to thwart a group of ex-elite MARSOC Marines turned thieves. Led by Ray Merrimen (Pablo Schreiber), fresh out of prison, this gang has their sights set on robbing the city’s Federal Reserve building. After a series of successful bank heists, they plan one final, grand caper. With Donnie Wilson (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) as their getaway driver, Merrimen and his crew set their elaborate scheme into motion.

Following Merrimen’s daring theft of an unoccupied armored car which led to a police officer’s tragic demise, Detective O’Brien and his team are relentlessly pursuing him. The movie initially seems to struggle to find its rhythm, but eventually becomes quite engaging for viewers. It’s no surprise that it has climbed Max’s most-watched list. This film is raw and intense, not everyone’s cup of tea, and it didn’t exactly receive rave reviews when it first came out. On Rotten Tomatoes, its Tomatometer stands at 41%, while its Popcornmeter sits at 63%. Despite the mixed reviews, it earned $80.5 million at the box office against a budget of $30 million, and even sparked talks for a sequel titled Den of Thieves 2: Pantera. However, as viewers rewatch the film, its divisive nature becomes more apparent.

‘Den of Thieves’ Seems to Celebrate Toxic Masculinity

Immediately upon meeting Detective O’Brien and his colleagues, it’s evident that the movie exudes a harsh atmosphere dominated by excessively macho personalities and under-explored female characters. However, it’s important to note that there are instances where the film shines. Unfortunately, these positive moments are frequently overshadowed by a pervasive toxic masculinity. O’Brien prioritizes his career over his wife and children, which is acceptable within the context of this particular movie, Den of Thieves. Nevertheless, when he clashes with his wife about his long hours and infidelity, she is portrayed as irrational and demanding. Remarkably, O’Brien shows no regret for his actions, only anger.

In the realm of such films, characters don’t necessarily have to be admirable, but the movie should find a way to balance or correct their flaws. However, Den of Thieves seems to elevate O’Brien above reproach. Yes, there are moments where they try to reveal his softer side, yet it lacks authenticity in making O’Brien a well-rounded character. Consequently, he frequently appears as an exaggerated portrayal of the macho image men imagine for a “tough guy” and how they believe such individuals should act.

To put it another way, O’Brien is just the most blatantly toxic man among them, but Merriman and Levoux have their share of issues too. However, they show concern for women and families, which sets them apart from O’Brien, who has a notorious reputation. Despite their questionable pasts, they are comparatively kinder. Yet, they both exploit women to advance their own interests while also protecting the women in their lives. This is just another form of control, but all three men in the film represent the alpha male archetype, each striving to outdo the others.

The Cops Play Dirty in ‘Den of Thieves’

Under O’Brien’s command, his team is known for their tough tactics when they arrive on the scene. It’s not uncommon for someone to end up getting roughhandled. Although they are dedicated cops who take pride in their work, they don’t shy away from bending some rules to extract what they need from criminals. Much like in many heist movies, the pursuit of Merrimen is a deeply personal matter for O’Brien. His relentless pursuit fuels him in an intense manner. This single-minded determination to apprehend Merrimen could be risky for a powerful officer like O’Brien, given his position and the lack of scrutiny he usually receives. With their extensive resources and limited supervision on a daily basis, they may lose sight of the law they are sworn to uphold.

Even though it may not be a flawless heist movie, I found myself completely hooked by Den of Thieves, with its smartly crafted ending and some truly impressive scenes reminiscent of other top-tier heist films. Despite its imperfections, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a watch, especially if you’re catching up at home. The movie’s overall fun factor makes it easy to overlook any minor shortcomings, as long as you’re willing to do so. If viewers can look past the film’s portrayal of toxic masculinity and appreciate it for its entertainment value, they’re in for a thrilling ride. Right now, you can stream Den of Thieves on Max, and mark your calendars for January 10, 2025, when Den of Thieves 2: Pantera hits theaters!

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2024-12-24 04:31