A Cool Bank Heist Thriller with Balls!!!

Rating: 9/10 (25 March 2006)

It's been a while since I've seen a really good movie and without a doubt, 'Inside Man', fits that bill perfectly.
I was half expecting a film in the guise of the Usual Suspects / The Negotiator / Your Usually Run Of The Mill Good Guy Verses Bad Guy Ilk But as the various film synopses indicates, not all is what it seems and the multiple twists and counter-twists to this film, although seen before in other films, still manages to retain a sense of originality.
However, one thing this film is really great in and, I suppose, adds to its uniqueness if I can put it like that, is that it DOESN'T take itself too seriously. There are plenty of some truly funny moments in this film, which in no way diminishes the tension that runs throughout. In fact, I would describe this film as a Black Comedy / Crime / Mystery / Thriller Although there is some drama in this film, to me it was perhaps its weakest point.
Not that that is necessarily a bad thing. Be prepared for a mixed bag of goodies, in which most if not all aspects are played out well. The characters are well characters aren't really that important in this film save that of Denzel Washington's. He's excellent as the bamboozled detective, always one step behind Clive Owen's cool, calculating and clever 'villain'. But even though you may think this makes him the underdog, it doesn't. Without giving the plot away, rest assured that the good guys win and the 'bad' guys. Well It's best you checked that out for yourself.
As for the other main characters, they do well to keep the movie interesting and moving at a good pace. Jodie puts in an effective performance as a shrewd negotiator, Chiwetel Ejiofor complements Denzel's character well, especially in the humour stakes and Dafoe, although underused in my opinion, does his best as a SWAT operative, which to be honest, doesn't really give him much to play with in this low action flick. But to be honest, action and in depth characterization isn't the main focus of this film. Not that it needs it mind. It's cool, funny, entertaining and does exactly what it says on the tin.
As I mentioned earlier with regards to humour, Spike is using some of that dark humour that runs through this film to make his political points. Of course, latent issues of racism are addressed, but don't worry, they're not rammed down your throats and the fact that he's using comedy to, as it were, sweeten the pill, you'll be entertained at least if not informed. Without going into details, be prepared to witness a surreal, bloody hilarious but highly poignant outlook on ultra violent video games and the effect it has on young minds and of course, the post 9-11 sense of paranoia currently in America that seems to indicate that all people from HUGE swaths of the Asian continent, are somehow bomb-wielding suicidal Arabs.
Actually, just like is darker, more excessive film 'Bamboozled', Spike seems to be using humour more frequently to make his political points, poke fun at his ultra right-wing bigoted enemies, whilst giving his liberal allies a right laugh. And based on the seeming success of this film, lets hope that this continues.
Well done Spike. This film, if nothing else, should at least silence the critics that accuse you of only making films that are serious and / or deal with racial issues Actually Spike, you did make a film which tentatively dealt with some of those issues You just did it in a thoroughly entertaining way BRAVO!!! Thoroughly Entertaining 9 / 10.