While more conventional than Lee's past work, "Inside Man" doesn't follow the conventions of the heist film.
Spike Lee has gathered together a strong cast for the film. As Frazier, Denzel is his usual charismatic self. He has a powerful screen presence and Clive Owen acclimates himself well as his antagonist. The same can be said for Foster as the no-nonsense fixer, although her character comes and goes too quickly to be utilized to her full potential.
For good or worse, Spike Lee stays true to his nature and injects a little politicizing into the film. One sequence features a hostage of Sikh descent being released and subsequently manhandled by the police. While being questioned, he rants about being singled out on the street and at the airport. Another scene shows Russell's dismay with a child about his violent video game, which is obviously based on "Grand Theft Auto." Both sections of the film go on too long and feel out of place.
VIDEO:
The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The transfer is what you would expect from such a recent release. The colors are sharp and vibrant without any noticeable blemishes.
AUDIO:
The audio is presented in the original English language track, along with Spanish and French tracks. All are in Dolby Digital 5.1. The sound and dialogue come off crisp and clear.
EXTRAS:
The extras include an audio commentary track with Spike Lee, who is both informative and witty. He discusses how he got the script, casting, and production.
The Making of Inside Man is the standard behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews, making-of footage, as well as footage from a read through by the cast.
Number 4 features Spike Lee and Denzel Washington sitting down together as they chat about working together for the fourth time. They discuss "Inside Man", along with their past work on "Mo' Better Blues", "Malcolm X", and "He Got Game." Both featurettes run about 10 minutes.
Finally, there is a collection of deleted scenes.
FILM VALUE:
"Inside Man" is a smart film full of clever twists that is only made better by a strong cast. It brings in older ideas and staples of the heist film, updating and revamping them. "Inside Man" is definitely worth your attention.
For good or worse, Spike Lee stays true to his nature and injects a little politicizing into the film. One sequence features a hostage of Sikh descent being released and subsequently manhandled by the police. While being questioned, he rants about being singled out on the street and at the airport. Another scene shows Russell's dismay with a child about his violent video game, which is obviously based on "Grand Theft Auto." Both sections of the film go on too long and feel out of place.
VIDEO:
The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The transfer is what you would expect from such a recent release. The colors are sharp and vibrant without any noticeable blemishes.
AUDIO:
The audio is presented in the original English language track, along with Spanish and French tracks. All are in Dolby Digital 5.1. The sound and dialogue come off crisp and clear.
EXTRAS:
The extras include an audio commentary track with Spike Lee, who is both informative and witty. He discusses how he got the script, casting, and production.
The Making of Inside Man is the standard behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews, making-of footage, as well as footage from a read through by the cast.
Number 4 features Spike Lee and Denzel Washington sitting down together as they chat about working together for the fourth time. They discuss "Inside Man", along with their past work on "Mo' Better Blues", "Malcolm X", and "He Got Game." Both featurettes run about 10 minutes.
Finally, there is a collection of deleted scenes.
FILM VALUE:
"Inside Man" is a smart film full of clever twists that is only made better by a strong cast. It brings in older ideas and staples of the heist film, updating and revamping them. "Inside Man" is definitely worth your attention.
Average user rating (1-5):
[release]19400[/release]