Clever and original thriller that doesn't rely on violence to thrill or be clever

Rating: 8/10 (11 August 2006)

What seems to be a run-of-the-mill bank robbery at first turns into a battle of nerves and wits between Dalton Russel, a thief who is more clever than he looks, and Keith Frazier, an NYC hostage negotiator who has his own set of tricks. Tensions mount on both sides as startling revelations show what is really going on.
This film works and is enjoyable due to Spike Lee's ability to build tension. I haven't seen all of his films, but out of the few I have, the tension slow builds throughout and finally bursts in the conclusion. 'Do the Right Thing' is a prime example and "Inside Man" is very similar in that aspect. The setting of a heist along with the stand-off that takes up most of the movie is a perfect new setting for this type thing and it works out very well. Relying heavily on a good script, dialog and story progress to interest and excite the viewer and leaving the clichéd shootout/police raid out makes plenty of room for twists and turns in the film - the story even takes on an entirely new meaning and proportions by the end.
Also of note is Spike Lee's ever-present interest in racial tensions and a police/criminal stand-off is one of the places where such things most likely flare as this film shows. It doesn't go to exploitative and over-done lengths, but it was slightly annoying that only white cops blurted out the epithets. Though it is an interesting little side message of the film that adds some overall feel and flavor. 8/10
Rated R: profanity and occasional violence