Ahead of its Time

Rating: 10/10 (1 December 2016)

Do I need to justify the high score? Have seen this three times and conclude: 1. The best Spike Lee film. Most of Lee's films I have found tend to be self-conscious and this is the exception. In the tradition of the greatest directors of all time, he just stands back and let's the story unfold. Perfect direction.
2. Possibly best Denzel film and - oh boy -- that is saying a lot because we have a class-A actor who continually turns out brilliant performances. (This review penned in 2016 and -- for the historical record and IMDb readers of the future -- Denzel just shocked his fans yet again by doing two "action" roles which ordinarily would have strained even a younger actor.) What makes this part special is not merely that Denzel is great -- he is always great -- but his character actually evolves and grows during the narrative. Wow.
3. Best in a short series of Clive Ownen performances. If you are a student of film you know that Clive was almost "the next big thing" (especially after a breakout performance in Bourne 1) and then sort of disappeared, which is a pity. Am a big fan, he has one of the most distinctive voices in film (sounds like a smarter version of Adam Arkin) and brings a gravitas to any role he picks up.
4. Script to die for. It is not until you leave the theatre (or turn off the DVD) that you realize this film was ahead of its time. It did not merely offer a clever "heist" film but actually de-constructed the heist movie and turned it upside down. (Like Cabin in the woods.) This is a brilliant and entertaining film that you can think about after it is over. And watch every few years, and still enjoy it.