Inside Man

So as my long summer holidays come to an end, I’m still playing catch up and squeezing in a few more films I didnt catch when they were released. Today’s was ‘Inside Man’ with everyones favourite Denzel Washington, and Ive got to say, I really enjoyed it. Recently Ive been getting a bit frustrated with the predictability of films. Everything seems very formulaic and nothing tends to hold my attention in the way I hope. I came to Inside Man with this pessamistic attitude - however I was pleasantly surprised. This is a film with a just a slight difference. It follows the ‘cat-and mouse’ power games between a bank robber and a hostage negotiator, both of whom are smart men. Its a simple well-worn premise but its told in a way which maintains interest and tension, yet in a very relaxed style, so that youre never quite sure which way the plot will end. One device I always love in films - possibly linked to my craving for unpredictablility - is ad-lib scenes and this film contains many quite clearly improvised moments which make the whole thing even more watchable and very real. Throw in a handful of English actors alongside the always brilliant Denzel and Im bound to be happy. In addition there is also an underlying moral message throughout about respect for your fellow human beings which adds a sense of ‘feel good’ to the film which is a little unexpected, but which works in setting the story in a bigger picture. For its individuality and comfortable performances, alongside a great story and Spike Lee’s unpredictable direction, I’d have to say i really rate this film and would recommend it to anyone seeking something just a little bit outside the standard thriller blockbusters.