A Film Review By Clyde Ayles

A TOP NOTCH THRILLER

A couple of years ago I met SPIKE LEE at a Starbucks coffee shop in New York city. We had a great conversation about movies. I told him I thought he made some very powerful films. Well, his latest, "Inside Man" did not let me down. This is a real edge of your seat thriller. As the film opens, we are invaded by a group of bank robbers dressed in painter uniforms and wearing masks. The invaders, led by the no nonsense Dalton Russell (CLIVE OWEN, of the overrated "Closer") begin to take hostages.  Soon the police arrive, led by Detective Keith Frazier (DENZEL WASHINGTON, in an outstanding performance) and his partner Detective Bill Mitchell (CHIWETEL EJIOFOR of "Serenity").  Detective Frazier, we learn, is also in the middle of a possible corruption scandel.  As the story progresses, things just don't add up in this robbbery at a branch of New York's Manhatten bank.  The invaders do not seem in a hurry to leave, no money is being taken, and there is a fake hostage killing.  Adding to this, an Ivy League confident of the mayor, Madeline White ( the ever perfect JODIE FOSTER, who is under used here) is called in to represent the bank's politically powerful owner (CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER, in a dark performance).  Soon the whole thing centers on a bank deposit box. What is in it?   At times the film throws you a curve, but it all comes together in the end.    We even see asofter side of Owen.s character as he tells a young boy in the bank about the evils of some video games.   Spike has given us another good joint, and we didn't even have to light up.       SEE YA AT THE MOVIES    CLYDEWhat Did You Think About The Film E-mail us Your Comments About The Film

© 2006 Clyde Ayles