A not so typical Bank Heist

Rating: 7/10 (22 March 2006)

I saw this movie in Antwerp on "de nacht van het examen " yesterday. The story is about a typical bank heist with many familiar clichés. A mediocre director wouldn't be able to make such a joint as interesting as Mr. Lee does.
I must confess I was slightly disappointed, because we've all seen this bank stuff before. However, this movie doesn't focus on the bank job in the first place. I believe it is merely there because of recognition and certain expectations.
The social themes are important ( real issues about all layers of society, which is often very confronting ), like all Spike Lee joints, and besides that the movie is stacked with exciting scenes, twists, delicious humor, great performances ( Denzel Washington & Willem Dafoe did a great job )and a dazzling score from Terence Blanchard ( impressive orchestral music with Eastern accents, comparable with the "25th hour" score ).
I was also struck by the cinematography, which offers impressive images of New York and is often quite inventive. The close camera-work really creates the feeling that you're part of the situation.
I really recommend this movie, because it has enough power to get you satisfied. There were many many moments that I thought : THIS IS GREAT CINEMA! And that's what it is, not a masterpiece, but great cinema with a lot of interesting aspects.