"Inside Man" Review

From the first time I saw a preview for "Inside Man," I held very high hopes and expectations for the film. A film starring Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster, Clive Owen and directed by Spike Lee would be a lot of wasted talent if it wasn't a great film. Fortunately, after viewing the film, I must say that the talent was not wasted and it lived up to my lofty expectations.

It wastes no time right from the outset, when Clive Owen and his clan come in to rob the bank with white masks and painters' outfits on. Giving much away of the plot would be to spoil it for other viewers, so I won't do that. But, as one can probably tell from viewing the previews and as Owen himself states, he has planned the perfect bank robbery.

Lee's direction is right on key. Washington and Owen shine in their roles and Foster does well with her limited screen time. The plot is clever, never allowing the viewer to wander off and lose focus. It grabs your attention right from the start and slowly lets pieces of the puzzle be known throughout the duration of the film to keep and hold the audience's attention. The music is beautiful, unique, and fitting. The characters in the film truly show the diversity that makes New York what it is and what makes America what it is. It displays similar themes as the Academy Award winning film "Crash," but takes them on in a different manner.

While, it's not the best movie I've ever seen, there is no weak spot that I can point to in the film. Solid acting. Solid music. Solid direction. Solid plot. Solid storyline. The new year of movies is very young, but in the new year, I must say that "Inside Man" is the best film I've seen.

Overall Grade: 8.5/10