El Robo Perfecto: Pantera

Slap a different name or main characters on it and it's a passable action hiest movie, trying to call it a sequel to Den of Thieves is just disrespectful to the first one.

The first crew were tight, controlled, and meant business. In this one we have only Donnie and Nick and some generic stand ins who we don't know or get to know, so we don't care for them at all.

The action scenes in part 1 were phenomenal and well shot and acted. In this one they were sloppy and felt forced. Especially at the end of the car chase, truly after an all night drive to escape and THAT'S where they meet up with what's his face.... sure, that wasn't immensely convenient...

The heist itself wasn't terrible, it felt real enough with a few minor issues.

A staffing of 6 or so guards for the world diamond exchange.... 2 guys to clear the whole building???? They didn't even have radios when clearing ffs.

During the escape chase, the entire city of Nice is practicially empty because.... just because.

Ad placement takes on a whole new level of idiocy in most newer movies, this time Porsche (Volkswagen group) and Audi were the focus.

The ending also not very convincing, Nick does what he does and then just passes on this info that isn't even helpful... "sit back left" not a single shot fired and "back left" isn't actually a seat position, rear passenger or driver side is. Back left depends on your orientation.

Had anyone else delivered the info though it would've made more sense.

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is an entertaining sequel that captures the essence of a high-stakes heist with a Grand Theft Auto mission feel. While it doesn't surpass its predecessor, it delivers solid action and suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat. However, a few missteps in pacing and scope prevent it from reaching its full potential.

What I Liked 1. The Heist Execution: The film's innovative, detailed approach to planning and executing the heist was highlighted, offering nail-biting tension during the climax.

2. Action Sequences: The gunfights and tactical moves were not just well-executed, they were pulse-pounding, keeping the adrenaline high and the audience fully engaged.

3. Character Dynamics: Gerard Butler's cop character dipping into criminal waters added an intriguing dynamic, making the story more than just a heist. From the beginning, Oshea's character growth and commitment to his skills keep you invested in the characters.

What I Didn't Like 1. Overextended Scale: The international setting felt unnecessarily grand, losing the first film's intimate, gritty charm.

2. Pacing Issues: The first half dragged significantly, making the 2-hour 20-minute runtime feel bloated.

3. Predictable Twist: While the ending twist added intrigue, it was telegraphed too early, diminishing its impact.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoyed the first Den of Thieves, you'll likely appreciate this sequel for its thrilling heist and action-packed moments, but temper expectations. The film trades its predecessor's smaller, sharper focus for a grander yet less cohesive narrative.

Recommendation: Watch it if you're in the mood for a fun, action-heavy heist movie. It's not groundbreaking, but it's worth a trip to the theater .

Rating: 3.5/5 or 7/10 or B-: An enjoyable sequel.

DOT2: Pantera is a good slow burn heist film bringing the bromance or love hate relationship between our two main characters as Butler is licking the wounds from the first film inflicted by Jackson.

The nice thing about Pantera is that it takes us the Mediterranean setting as the stakes go big with the Diamond Heist (inspired by the 2003 Antwerp true event) in Nice, France with the wrong move of stealing from the Italian Mafia.

The film does start with a heart pounding opening sequence and ends with a exciting car chase BUT the rest of the film is all talk and planning the heist.

Evin Ahmad and Nazmiye Oral both shine in their respective roles.

Nice twist to leave the doors open for DOT: 3.

Well I just got out the theatre and let me say this:

Whereas the first movie was very gritty, dark, violent, this movie is very colorful, tacky and sassy.

Kind of dissapointing sequel if you compare it to the first. I guess it's a solid Sunday movie if you're bored and want to watch something. The first movie gave me a vibe similar to HEAT. This is like they tried to aim for the Italian Job. Wish they would've stuck with the Formula of the first movie. It worked. Don't know why they tried to change it so drastically and do a 180. The characters are not interesting at all and you don't really get invested like you did in the first part. Butler and Jackson's characters don't feel like the same guys from the first movie either. Could've been better. It's a ok-ish sequel.

Den of Thieves 2 delivers a slow-burning narrative with a runtime that overstays its welcome at 2 hours and 25 minutes. While there are some lighthearted moments sprinkled throughout, much of the film relies heavily on dialogue, which may not hold the attention of those expecting more action. The pacing feels uneven, particularly as it moves toward the ending, which seems more focused on setting up a sequel than providing a satisfying resolution. Though it has its moments, the film struggles to justify its length and lacks the high-stakes energy that made the first installment more engaging. It was intense in certain scenes but one character motive change my rating since it was a dishonorable act.