[attrition] review: Movie: Inside Man

[lyger]

http://attrition.org/movies/insideman.html

Inside Man
(2006)
Czarina

It has been a fair bit of time since director Spike Lee has directed a 
well written, respectable, interesting movie, and almost just as long 
since there has been a good bank heist movie. So, I found myself 
particularly eager to see Inside Man, a slick, smart and entertaining film 
that combines a great cast to go along with a fairly formulaic plot. 
Starring Denzel Washington, Willem Dafoe, Jodie Foster, and the delicious 
Clive Owen, Inside Man is a welcomed refreshment to the latest Hollywood 
fodder out there.

The film opens with a monologue from the robbery mastermind, who 
introduces himself as Dalton Russell (Owen). He tells us that he's pulling 
off the robbery not for money, but because he can. He also tells us to be 
attentive -- which the viewer will need to do, as these guys are out to 
commit the perfect crime, and they have formulated it perfectly. The film 
reveals clues as it progresses, but doesn't give itself way until the time 
is right.

The story begins in an ornately decorated and prominent Wall Street bank 
that possesses an awesome and intricate design that portends the intricate 
design of the plot. (It is also a lamentable reminder of an era of 
grandiose design gone by.) The robbers, cleverly disguised as a painting 
crew, enter the bank and within a couple of minutes have taken over the 
depository. Of course, keeping with the genre, the cops show up and learn 
that there is a hostage situation, and then the scene cuts to the film's 
protagonist...

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