Not quite what I expected — it’s a bank heist movie, but it’s not if that makes any sense — but I still enjoyed it. There are a couple of interesting twists near the end, but it’s about 20 minutes too long.

I was thrown for a loop when i decided to go see the movie. It was really nothing I had in mind after seeing the trailer. Aside from the horrible directing, acting, and cinematography, the story line was ok. I heard, though, that the idea came from a movie released pre 2000s; so it actually wasn’t that unique. What I don’t get is why the critics rated it so highly? Very confusing.

Inside Man is a solid heist film with great performances from the whole cast. Spike Lee knows how to shoot a film and he wisely focusses on the characters as more details of the story are revealed. The heist film is a well-trodden path and Lee injects some of his visual style and themes into the genre. Very enjoyable without being flashy or over-the-top, just a film for grownups with the sensibility of a 70s crime film.

This movie is a classic. What I most liked about this film is that the detectives were so human, if not a bit dumbed down. The way they reason to figure out what the bank robbers want is believable and is played out minute by minute. In a lot of movies, you get characters that magically figure out clues as fast as you can do a search on google (ie. Nicholas Cage in National Treasure). In Inside Man, you feel like you are watching an 80s cops sitcom. The detectives solve the case the way they used to (it’s no Negotiator), there are no excess action sequences. The script is well written, and as smart as the bank robbery plan. It doesn’t need to be an Ocean’s 11. The characters are witty and they are always speaking to one up the other. The humour in the film is what makes the movie so great. There are so many memorable lines. The movie references issues true to stereotypes going on in today’s society. Even the extras have well defined character. I noticed a lot of triple zoom up shots. Can’t wait to re-watch the movie. This will be one of my favourites.

I liked this most merely for a handful of shots and tangent conversations in it. One of my favorite scenes was when the main dude and the partner in crime lady were hanging out in the open bank vault, one lazily hanging on the door frame, the other standing guard with the gun. It was a long stylish shot that gave the impression of severe ennui. I think it would be a good marketing campaign for Kenneth Cole. I also enjoyed the talk of romance and possible marriage proposal between detective and criminal, as cheesy and obvious as it was. I say leave the theater 20 minutes early and hit the restrooms before everyone else.