Spike Lee - The Misunderstood Genius (once again)

Rating: 8/10 (15 July 2007)

In his debut directing a thriller, Spike Lee creates a movie that grabs you from the beginning and never lets go. This dazzling bank-heist thriller is so witty and unpredictable, which makes it unforgettable!
In the opening minutes, we meet Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), a cool, collected thief who tells of his "perfect" plan to rob a Manhattan bank. It's not only for the money, he calmly explains, it's "because I can." Into the picture comes Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington), a detective with a spotty record and an eagerness to match wits with Russell. He's clever and good at reading people. He's also smart enough to know that there's more to Russell's motives than just cleaning out a bank. Another wrench is thrown into the mix. Madeline White (Jodie Foster) is a stone-cold power broker hired to protect something in the building that the bank's board chairman (Christopher Plummer) wants to keep hidden.
The action is propelled by the cops and crooks trying to outwit each other, with Foster's sly fixer along for some added mystery.
The three main characters are terrific: Clive Owen has the difficult job of delivering most of his performance through a mask, but his icy calm remains eerie and powerful. Jodie Foster attacks the role of Madeleine White with an electricity that chills. She plays a cunning and somewhat evil character with such dedication. Fascinating. Denzel Washington adds some charisma to his role of Detective Keith Frazier and projects a power that is so typical of Zel.
It's about time the academy gives Spike Lee some respect! 8/10