Inside Man

Rating: 8/10 (1 April 2006)

"Inside Man", a Spike Lee joint film, is the story of what appears to be the perfect bank robbery. It is up to a hostage negotiating detective (Denzel Washington)to resolve the situation. While working with the head of the gang (Clive Owen), the detective's instincts begin to tell him that there is more to the crime than stealing the bank's reserves. When a corporate fund raiser (Jodi Foster) becomes involved in the investigation on the behalf of the bank owner (Christopher Plummer) who is worried more about the contents of a mysterious safety deposit box than the money in his bank, the facts begin to fall in place for the detective.
The film is an entertaining adventure that contains Lee's patented look at the race relations issue at a subdued level. The dialogue is excellent and the plot is well executed. Washington's performance is sensational, giving the audience a character that is interesting as well as entertaining. Clive Owen is brilliant in the combination of head bank robber and corrupted vigilante. The supporting cast of hostages/bank robbers add a touch of hilarity and realism to the film. Christopher Plummer is excellent, playing the villain that has wrapped himself in good deeds to hide from a past driven by greed and wealth painted in blood.
The only disappointment is Jodi Foster. The audience sees her as an opportunistic, favor swapping heavy that has no depth. There is no back story given or implied as to why people in high power positions bow to her whim. Her occupation and character are not well defined. Although she is needed as a link to key elements of the story line between robber and detective, she lacks the compelling aspect of a character that makes people sit up and watch a film. When Jodi Foster is on the screen, the rhythm of the film wavers and loses focus.
"Inside Man" is definitely worth seeing. The intricate story line about a heist inspired by historical atrocities is fascinating, while Denzel Washington and Clive Owen's charismatic performances shine.