Criminal Squad: Pantera

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.

Den of Thieves: Pantera follows up Den of Thieves from 2018 but is not in the same league. It feels formulaic all the way though and a little forced. Not an awful movie but below the standard set by the original.

Gerard Butler returns and looks even less in shape with every passing movie, and this one seems to deal with this fact by giving his character food to shout past in almost every scene which gets a tad annoying.

This time the action takes place mainly in Nice, France with an attempt to steal diamonds. Set pieces are adequate but as mentioned the acting feels a little forced and the whole movie is not as satisfying as the original and the runtime too long.

Worth a watch and under another title would have been adequate but not of the same quality as the first movie unfortunately.

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.

There is good and bad with this film, even as it feels like it is missing some of the magic of the first.

The cinematography, sound, and music are great. The film looks and sounds slick and flows well.

The story has some complexity to it as it involves more than just a set of good guys and a set of bad guys. It also follows the first film plot-wise, so having seen it will add to the experience.

At a few points in the story it would be better to not ask too many questions, as there are some plot conveniences that might be considered questionable for the validity and believability of a major international organized crime scenario. Some of the foundational premises of how characters are placed into the story are also tenuous.

The highlight for me though, was the heist execution and the subsequent chase. A long and gripping sequence of events that takes up much of the last half of the film. Superb sequences with sustained tension and realism. Really well directed and scored. And a very cool helicopter intervention.

The acting overall I would call very so-so. Often poor. The improvisation obvious. The casting, generally terrible. Adsurdly so. Aside from the two lead actors, I found the rest of the characters and cast playing them to be both unattractive and instantly forgettable. I never knew that French women had such large noses. Even the star of the film, and really the only one more or less acting in it, looks so haggard as to be a bit of a let down. The co-star was unconvincing generally in his role; he did not fit the part.

I think that this is what differentiates the feel of this film from the first. The first film had tight bands of opposing forces with strong main protagonist and antagonist characters. It also had believable and well-defined entourage characters played by actors who could act. The intensity felt genuine. This film sorely lacks all of this. It went full Euro and feels sloppy because of it. Casting was over-the-top diverse to the point of distraction, resulting in a lack of cohesion, with too many weak characters with no charisma that only made the plot contrivances more obvious.

Overall, still a good watch for fans of the first film.

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.