The Inside man is taut with tension, spiced nicely with interesting dialogue, and rich "inside" circumstances that give its characters a more believable and enjoyable life on screen. Though supposedly a serious drama about a negotiator and a clever hostage-taking bank-robber, the sprinkles of humor levitate.

That said, the background of a major character (the bank robber) is never exposed, leaving some curiosities unsatisfied. And the negotiator's (Denzel's) love interest is reduced to a lingerie-wearing pretty face, waiting on the bed for his return. In a film where most of the characters are allowed gritty edges, she seemed quite out of place.

Aside from an acceptable amount of implausibilities, "Inside Man" does a great job of grabbing the viewer from the outset and keeping them strongly engaged until the last fifteen minutes or so. At that point the film loosens in intensity and doesn't quite payoff with the fervor it deserves.

It had me glued to the screen for an hour and a half plus. Who was this bank robber? How did he come to know what he knew? Intermittently, Spike Lee tosses in hostage interrogation scenes that keep the tension and odd comedy rolling. An excellent movie of the week, but lacking a certain inner depth/emotive connection and punchy climax.

This film screened at a Krikorian Theatre.

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