Christian Gudegast’s “Den of Thieves” should not have labored. At a look, the movie seemed to be little greater than a knock-off of Michael Mann’s “Warmth” and numerous different cops-and-robbers thrillers. Certainly, the movie is often spinoff — not solely does it owe an enormous debt to “Warmth,” however it even throws in a last-minute twist shamelessly “borrowed” from “The Standard Suspects.” And but … “Den of Thieves” inexplicably dominated. Whereas nobody may accuse the flick of being authentic, the tip end result was wildly entertaining and satisfying, and I do not imply in a cynical “so dangerous it is good” kind of approach. Violent, partaking, humorous, and unapologetically brash, “Den of Thieves” is down and soiled stuff — a scuzzy, dirtbag motion flick about offended males taking pictures loud weapons. It isn’t excessive artwork, it is excessive trash, and I find it irresistible with all my coronary heart.
It is exhausting to hate a movie that introduces its hero, cumbersome cop Massive Nick O’Brien, grabbing a donut off the bottom at an out of doors homicide scene and taking a giant chunk. Not lengthy after this second, Massive Nick might be seen chugging straight from a bottle of Pepto-Bismol. As performed by Gerard Butler, Massive Nick appears perpetually hungover — in case you informed me Butler had downed half a bottle of Jack Daniels earlier than he shot his scenes, I would consider you. A swaggering, macho mess who appears continually on the verge of belching, Massive Nick was a flawed, tough beast, untrue to his spouse and vulnerable to bending the regulation he is sworn to uphold so as to get his approach. And ultimately, Massive Nick misplaced.
“Den of Thieves” noticed Massive Nick and his crew on the path of a gang of financial institution robbers lead by Marine vet Ray Merrimen, performed by Pablo Schreiber. Because the gang set about planning their newest rating, Massive Nick tried to infiltrate the group by turning their getaway driver, Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), into an informant. All of it culminated in a giant shootout that left a number of individuals, together with Merrimen, lifeless. In a single remaining twist, although, Massive Nick was shocked to be taught that Merrimen wasn’t the gang’s mastermind. As a substitute, the complete heist was cooked up by Donnie, who was secretly a prison genius and in the end the one survivor who ended up getting away with all the stolen cash. The “Den of Thieves” saga may’ve ended there, however there was additionally room for extra — and, in a giant shock, the movie ended up being a a lot larger hit than anticipated. A sequel was introduced, and now it arrives within the type of “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.” Somewhat than attempt to recreate the scuzzball LA crime film vitality of the primary movie, Gudegast takes the story to Europe, crafting one thing bigger in scope and creating a movie that just about seems like a buddy comedy about huge, beefy guys bonding whereas committing some crimes. It is an absolute blast, and a triumph of Dudes Rock cinema. Lengthy reside Massive Nick O’Brien, one of many biggest characters in film historical past.
