Don't expect a Hiest film

Rating: 9/10 (28 November 2006)

(may Contain a few spoilers) It's a very nice treat when you watch a film with little prior knowledge of and come out feeling thoroughly satisfied. This was one of those films.
First of all I don't see this as heist movie with a twist, that element sits in the background and is merely the vessel for Spike Lees typical message - to demonstrate many the prejudices, stereo types and removal of liberties that many see have affected all of our human rights within the free world over the last decade. Except this time it is not restricted to a minority, but everyone who is a potential suspect. Guilty until proved innocent.
Many of Lee's films normally shock, have an opinion and do not sit in the mainstream 'thriller' category. This movie demonstrates his work to the mainstream and pounds you with prejudice observation, ignorance and society's ills that you see day in day out and don't think a second over in real life, crammed into two hours it actually shocked and surprised me Â– by using a very casual nature - and I do not shock very easily. EVERYONE is a suspect, the Sikh guy released early assumed to be an Arab by the policeman pointing a gun at his head, the released hostages cuffed up and led away on a bus reminded me of Guantanamo footage - it is full of similar examples. It even demonstrates loss of innocence; portrayed by the 12 year old playing his GTA style PSP game which Dalton disapproves of.
Direction is first class, with snippets of genius - coupled with an absolutely outstanding soundtrack. None of the actors excel, but then there is no requirement for them to do so, the film is set in a very short time frame so therefore doesn't require a great deal of focus on one character. Although there is no denying that Owen and Washington are the main players here. Owen is his usual cardboard self and his skills aren't taxed, thankfully for him - though he really should insist on not having to do that awful American accent in his films. Washington does rise above the others if only because his character requires it. Side roles by Dafoe and Foster are an excellent compliment to the story; no one needs to steal the show because that would dilute the film.
Sure realism isn't high on the agenda of the film and I found the plot pretty predictable, simplistic, sentimental and often unrealistic with many holes. A real police operation would be run differently and not as ad hoc and reactionary BUT that is not what this film is trying to do.
Loved it 9/10.