Review of Inside Man (2006) by Chris M — 22 Feb 2012
An above-average heist thriller that is elevated above the norm by Spike Lee's direction, some crisp editing, Clive Owen, Denezel Wahington and Christopher Plummer's performances (esp. Clive Owen) and some nice touches in the script, expecially the cuts between the heist and the interviews in the aftermath.
But otherwise it's fairly familiar territory. There's not a lot in Lee's direction that couldn't have been done by other directors. Several conversations included pointed remarks that comment on the racial divisions and tensions with New York, but these felt unnecessary. Worst of all, that really took me out of the movie and the otherwise pretty compelling heist, is Jodie Foster...
Her character is utterly ludicrous and unbelievable. She completely shattered my suspension of disbelief. In order to make her character work, every single other character made bad, unrealistic decisions. The script was adjusted to fit her in, as though the audience research groups had told the studio they needed a female protagonist. And Jodie Foster's performance was astonishingly bad - gurning away like some smug Cheshire Cat. Annoying doesn't even get close.
This review of Inside Man (2006) was written by Chris M on 22 Feb 2012.
Inside Man has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
