Christian Gudegast’s “Den of Thieves” should not have labored. At a look, the movie gave the impression 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 Traditional Suspects.” And but … “Den of Thieves” inexplicably dominated. Whereas nobody might accuse the flick of being unique, the tip end result was wildly entertaining and satisfying, and I do not imply in a cynical “so dangerous it is good” kind of means. Violent, participating, 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 Large Nick O’Brien, grabbing a donut off the bottom at an out of doors homicide scene and taking an enormous chew. Not lengthy after this second, Large Nick will be seen chugging immediately from a bottle of Pepto-Bismol. As performed by Gerard Butler, Large Nick appears perpetually hungover — in the event you informed me Butler had downed half a bottle of Jack Daniels earlier than he shot his scenes, I would imagine you. A swaggering, macho mess who appears always on the verge of belching, Large Nick was a flawed, tough beast, untrue to his spouse and susceptible to bending the regulation he is sworn to uphold with the intention to get his means. And in the long run, Large Nick misplaced.
“Den of Thieves” noticed Large 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, Large Nick tried to infiltrate the group by turning their getaway driver, Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), into an informant. All of it culminated in an enormous shootout that left a number of folks, together with Merrimen, useless. In a single ultimate twist, although, Large 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 felony genius and in the end the one survivor who ended up getting away with the entire stolen cash. The “Den of Thieves” saga might’ve ended there, however there was additionally room for extra — and, in an enormous 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.” Quite than attempt to recreate the scuzzball LA crime film power of the primary movie, Gudegast takes the story to Europe, crafting one thing bigger in scope and creating a movie that just about appears like a buddy comedy about large, beefy guys bonding whereas committing some crimes. It is an absolute blast, and a triumph of Dudes Rock cinema. Lengthy dwell Large Nick O’Brien, one of many best characters in film historical past.
