Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera Review: A Celebration of Dudes Rock Cinema
Christian Gudegast’s “Den of Thieves” might have appeared to be an unoriginal attempt to mimic Michael Mann’s iconic “Heat” alongside a slew of other cops-and-robbers flicks. It does lean heavily on borrowed elements—notably a twist reminiscent of “The Usual Suspects.” Yet, against all odds, “Den of Thieves” broke the mold, delivering a wildly entertaining ride that goes beyond mere guilty pleasure. This film is raw, energetic, and unapologetically unrefined; it showcases men engaging in explosive gun battles and embracing a gritty lifestyle. Full of humor and chaos, it embraces its identity as a high-octane action film.
Gerard Butler’s portrayal of the rough-around-the-edges Big Nick O’Brien is a standout, introducing him in a memorable scene where he devours a donut at a crime scene. Big Nick is perpetually inebriated, and his character is a complex mix of machismo and moral ambiguity—unfaithful to his spouse and often bending the law to achieve his objectives. Ultimately, his quest ended in failure, with the narrative revealing that the heist mastermind was the very informant he’d been grooming, Donnie, played by O’Shea Jackson Jr.
With the unexpected success of the first film, a sequel was inevitable, leading to “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.” Instead of mirroring the seedy atmosphere of its predecessor, Gudegast shifts the scene to Europe. This installment feels almost like a buddy comedy, featuring burly men forming bonds over their criminal exploits. Long live Big Nick O’Brien, an enduring icon in the world of cinema.
In “Den of Thieves 2,” Donnie has moved to Europe, joining forces with international thieves called the Panthers, led by the captivating Jovanna (Evin Ahmad). Their target: a heist at the World Diamond Center in Antwerp. Back in the States, Big Nick—now living out of his truck and still furious about being outsmarted—decides to travel to Europe to confront Donnie. However, instead of arresting him, Nick asks to join the heist, craving the excitement and financial reward that comes with it. The film humorously avoids diving into any doubts Donnie might have about Nick’s intentions, and instead, the two characters quickly develop an unexpected camaraderie.
The heart of “Den of Thieves 2” lies within its middle section, showcasing the evolving friendship between Nick and Donnie. Highlights include Nick reveling in a night out with his new criminal comrades, merrily getting high and shouting “Europe rules!” The absurdity peaks when Nick, embracing his newfound freedom, hops on an electric scooter, making for some memorable scenes. Butler, now a crowned king of B-grade films, clearly enjoys every moment playing Big Nick, a role that feels uniquely crafted for him, while Jackson steps into a more developed character, revealing Donnie’s motivations as being driven by the thrill rather than the cash.
As the movie builds up to an elaborate heist designed around World Cup festivities, it delivers on the action viewers expect while carving out space for quieter, character-driven moments. The playful banter over music choices among the gang and Nick’s interactions with a local cop add depth to what could easily have been a shallow shoot-em-up. This sequel deviates from being another mindless action film, opting instead to showcase enriching moments of camaraderie among characters.
With Gudegast’s knack for character moments, “Den of Thieves 2” feels almost friendly, the grittiness balanced with a genuine charm. The film’s atmosphere resonates with energy and excitement, serving as a perfect example of “junk food cinema”—the kind of entertainment that satisfies the cravings of action enthusiasts.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Gudegast is laying the groundwork for an expansive franchise reminiscent of the increasingly outrageous “Fast & Furious” saga. If the team behind “Den of Thieves” wants to keep this franchise rolling, sign me up. More Big Nick O’Brien is always welcome.
Film Rating: 7 out of 10
“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” hits theaters on January 10, 2025.
