March 29, 2006

Film on the Inside Track

Movie review appeared in Fort McMurray Today March 28, 2006

By PAULA OGONOSKI
Today staff

After a stint of unimaginative mediocre movies, an innovative, twisting, captivating film has graced the silver screen in Fort McMurray: Inside Man.

From beginning to end, the plot keeps your attention and reminds audiences why these Hollywood heavyweights take the title and their paycheques.

The Inside Man is not your average bank robbery film.

Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) and his gang of thugs plan to execute the perfect bank robbery, from the capture of hostages to the getaway. Lead negotiator Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington), realizes there's more to this robbery than meets the eye, when a power broker, played by Jodie Foster, with a hidden agenda is thrown into the mix. Her task: to protect her clients' assets at any costs.

Foster, a multipleAcademy Award winner, has been very selective about her films and picked another memorable plot.

This film has more twists than licorice and leaves you amazed and wanting more.

There hasn't been a better caper movie since 2001's Ocean's Eleven and 2003's The Italian Job, except the Inside Man is an original script by first-time writer Russell Gewirtz and deals with more serious subject matter.

There were so many subplots going through this film it was hard to know up from down but in the end it all comes together in a nicely wrapped package complete with blue ribbon.

From the musical score, to the heist itself, to putting Willem Dafoe, who usually plays the bad guy, in a good-guy role, to Foster as a raving, amoral snob -- everything is original but believable.

Director Spike Lee extracts some of the best performances of this ensemble cast, including Toronto-born actor Christopher Plummer.

Lee shows his vast experience behind the lens through his attention to detail in the film, from the demeanour of the characters to the interesting camera angles.

This film warrants at least a second watch to fully appreciate its levels, before it goes to video.

If I gave thumbs up, I'd give this flick two and a toe.

Inside Man

Starring: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen and Jodie Foster

Directed by: Spike Lee

Rating: 14A

* * * 1/2 (out of four)



© Copyright 2006, Fort McMurray Today.

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