Inside Man
Universal Pictures | Release Date: March 24, 2006
7.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 356 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
272
Mixed:
60
Negative:
24
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User Reviews

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6
[Anonymous]Apr 12, 2006
No one can deny that this movie has a great cast. The acting is terrific. The directing is classic Spike Lee--brilliant at times, but he takes every chance to work in commentary about race, religion and ethnicity. All in all, this movie No one can deny that this movie has a great cast. The acting is terrific. The directing is classic Spike Lee--brilliant at times, but he takes every chance to work in commentary about race, religion and ethnicity. All in all, this movie presents a good picture and the plot depicts what would be a brilliant heist if it were true. However, there are serious flaws in the plot (which are gracefully glossed over by expert acting), but the end result is that we really don't know the various character's motivations for their behavior. At one point we are told by one of the theives "I did it for the money", but that doesn't seem to add up with what was taken. Similarly I'm still trying to figure out exactly what motivated Denzel to bring Jodie a telephone number in one of the last scenes. The sequence of the movie is expertly executed to both provide hints and keep you guessing. Denzel's character is likeable, funny and feels real. Jodie Foster's character is a bit unbelievable in terms of profession. Oh, and keep an eye out for the Albanian woman. I thought she was excellent.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
5
MikeG.Apr 7, 2006
A movie where the whole didn't add up to the sum of its parts. Solid if not spectacular performances by Denzel, Jodie and Clive, decent enough pacing, but there was something missing. The story was VERY anticlimactic...the twist with A movie where the whole didn't add up to the sum of its parts. Solid if not spectacular performances by Denzel, Jodie and Clive, decent enough pacing, but there was something missing. The story was VERY anticlimactic...the twist with Christopher Plummer was revealed very early, and movies like this are more effective when they end with a bang than a whimper. It was so-so...I wouldn't recommend it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
DougR.Apr 9, 2006
The writer and producer think they are so clever, but the basic plot is ridiculous. Spike Lee makes it interesting with various directing techniques. The last 15 mnutes is a big letdown. Lucky Sleven does this type of movie much better.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
TheDudeSep 11, 2006
This film can be summarized in five words: "All flash and no substance." The lead actors deliver solid performances (as you would expect from the likes of Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster, and Christopher Plummer) but are unfortunately This film can be summarized in five words: "All flash and no substance." The lead actors deliver solid performances (as you would expect from the likes of Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster, and Christopher Plummer) but are unfortunately expected to carry a largely incomprehensible story where the plot is vague and convoluted and the motivations of the characters are poorly defined. Top it all off with a resolution that leaves more questions than answers and you have a film that is hard to recommend. To Spike Lee's credit, he can be confident and inventive director, but he still goes for "film student gimmickry" when the film would have been better served with more restraint and a tighter focus on the narrative. "Inside Man" is entertaining enough as a popcorn flick, but there are better films more deserving of your time.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
J.D.Mar 29, 2006
Judging by the reviews on this site I was anticipating a good movie but I was dissapointed. It had its moments and had the right idea but went wrong in a lot of area's. Overall it was incredibley cheesey. But I expected that as soon as Judging by the reviews on this site I was anticipating a good movie but I was dissapointed. It had its moments and had the right idea but went wrong in a lot of area's. Overall it was incredibley cheesey. But I expected that as soon as I saw the opening credits and was reminded that it was A SPIKE LEE JOINT.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
MarkC.Apr 15, 2006
I am a big fan of Spike Lee, and think a lot of his other moveies have been very underrated. So I saw this with high expectations and was quite disappointed. The movie has little suspense, the plot is unbelievable, and some of the minor I am a big fan of Spike Lee, and think a lot of his other moveies have been very underrated. So I saw this with high expectations and was quite disappointed. The movie has little suspense, the plot is unbelievable, and some of the minor characters are so stereotypical, they are both unbelievable and distracting. The only really great performance in the movie was by Clive Owen, who is mesmerizing. The other main actors (Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster) are good, but have been better in other movies.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
TonyB.Aug 12, 2007
"Inside Man' is at its best when Jodie Fisher, Clive Owen and Christopher Plummer are on screen.; theirs is acting on a consistently high level. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Denzel Washington who is often too mannered; "Inside Man' is at its best when Jodie Fisher, Clive Owen and Christopher Plummer are on screen.; theirs is acting on a consistently high level. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Denzel Washington who is often too mannered; this is not his finest hour.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
KurtC.Mar 26, 2006
I was left feeling bored and unamused. After all the positive reviews I have heard (critics and users alike) I was really expecting a fresh and exciting film, but was disappointed. Washington plays his typical tough-guy under duress role, I was left feeling bored and unamused. After all the positive reviews I have heard (critics and users alike) I was really expecting a fresh and exciting film, but was disappointed. Washington plays his typical tough-guy under duress role, and Foster fails to inspire like she has so often in the past. There is nothing new in Spike Lee's exploration of racial tensions and corruption of power in this weak, slow-moving, and watered down "suspens/thriller." Save your money.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
LarryS.Mar 28, 2006
First 2/3red of the movie was very well done but the last 1/3rd was a big disappointment. What in the world were they thinking casting Jodie Foster in this role. Viewers did not needed to be fed the story with a spoon. Not one of First 2/3red of the movie was very well done but the last 1/3rd was a big disappointment. What in the world were they thinking casting Jodie Foster in this role. Viewers did not needed to be fed the story with a spoon. Not one of Spike's best. The social commentary was lost in the messy plot and sub plots. Clive Owen is terrific!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
billys.Apr 5, 2006
A very entertaining "think thriller" thats a little easy in the "think" department. Spike Lee sells out and makes a big studio Movie For The Masses with a big ticket cast so now he can finance his next two joints without the suits telling A very entertaining "think thriller" thats a little easy in the "think" department. Spike Lee sells out and makes a big studio Movie For The Masses with a big ticket cast so now he can finance his next two joints without the suits telling him what they want!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
MarcK.Apr 9, 2006
Absolutely overrated. Based on 2005 film reviews and the review of this movie, it is clear to me that most movie reviewers are shills for the film industry, "rooting" for certain films to do well. Great cast, but bad acting, especially Jodie Absolutely overrated. Based on 2005 film reviews and the review of this movie, it is clear to me that most movie reviewers are shills for the film industry, "rooting" for certain films to do well. Great cast, but bad acting, especially Jodie Foster, who had a smirk on her face the entire movie, and I had no idea why. The plot builds for us to see the "twist," and when it's revealed, it's nothing special at all.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
KenG.May 26, 2006
Film drags too often, and there is definite fat here that could have been cut out. One of the prroblems with Spike Lee is that in the last few years he's allowed himself to become too self-indulgence, in exchange for discipline.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
ScottB.Aug 28, 2006
An interesting plot, good acting and character development all fall apart in the last 30 minutes. An utterly unbelievable and inconclusive ending makes this a disappointment.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
H.CarterSep 5, 2006
The "snappy banter" as one critic put it, fell flat with me---it was ok at first, but it got stale real quick. the story started off good as well, but became transparent and a total let down by about midway through. the direction was pretty The "snappy banter" as one critic put it, fell flat with me---it was ok at first, but it got stale real quick. the story started off good as well, but became transparent and a total let down by about midway through. the direction was pretty good, the actors were pretty good---so I guess it was the writing and the story that were just medicore at best. I'm glad I waited for it on DVD.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
AndyG.Mar 26, 2006
I was expecting something spectacular from the reviews, but the movie was a letdown. Denzel was good and Clive was good, but the movie just did not seem suspenseful. There are many weaknesses with the theft. The movie did seem to drag down I was expecting something spectacular from the reviews, but the movie was a letdown. Denzel was good and Clive was good, but the movie just did not seem suspenseful. There are many weaknesses with the theft. The movie did seem to drag down and Jodie F's role was not needed and not inspiring. The movie is better than most from the acting, but that is not saying much due to today's movie crapola. You would be better off to see the Thomas Crown Affair (old one and remake) and avoid this one.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
HansjakobW.Apr 12, 2006
Entertaining but a little self-satisfied, Lee's film has moments of great energy and tension interspersed with scenes that seem interminable. And what's with that old chestnut, the Nazi war criminal? Can't anyone count any Entertaining but a little self-satisfied, Lee's film has moments of great energy and tension interspersed with scenes that seem interminable. And what's with that old chestnut, the Nazi war criminal? Can't anyone count any more? The Christopher Plummer character would have to be in his 90s if the film's "explanations" had any roots in reality. Find some other reasons why movie characters can be odious and evil, WW ended over 60 years ago!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
NagaganookNov 4, 2010
Acting -- great, as would be expected. The film doesn't work though: All the twists are revealed or amply clear by about the mid-point, so the thing just sort of stops, but doesn't have an ending. Secondly, Clive Owen steals the papers toActing -- great, as would be expected. The film doesn't work though: All the twists are revealed or amply clear by about the mid-point, so the thing just sort of stops, but doesn't have an ending. Secondly, Clive Owen steals the papers to bribe Christopher Plummer later, right? But then why leave the ring and send Denzel to investigate Plummer? The result of that will be that Plummer's past crimes will be exposed in which case the papers Clive stole become valueless. Right?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
TyranianMar 6, 2020
Decent heist film with solid acting. The story feels fairly familiar and the screenplay has problems but it's just entertaining enough.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
imthenoobMar 9, 2016
It's a very performance driven film and the actors do a great job at it. Owen and Washington were fantastic but sadly never fully used during the film. Lots of needless sub-plots, Lame attempts at misdirection, and the lack of having a fluidIt's a very performance driven film and the actors do a great job at it. Owen and Washington were fantastic but sadly never fully used during the film. Lots of needless sub-plots, Lame attempts at misdirection, and the lack of having a fluid plot (where one scene just sort of flows into the next) makes Inside Man the kind of film that just fails to live up to it's potential.

It's a good enough movie to watch but I think under the direction of another director, It probably could have been great.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
beingryanjudeAug 27, 2014
Filled with countless strong performances and Spike Lee at the helm, Inside Man holds all the necessary means to being a successful top-notch thriller. But something is missing, can't quite pinpoint it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
frederikbhJan 28, 2019
Good at times, decent most times, downright embarassing when it tries to be funny. Pacing was way off and the film had me losing interest at times. Spike Lee tries too hard to make his characters funny, badass and likeable and ended upGood at times, decent most times, downright embarassing when it tries to be funny. Pacing was way off and the film had me losing interest at times. Spike Lee tries too hard to make his characters funny, badass and likeable and ended up putting prime junk on-screen whenever the protagonist spoke.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
eva3si0nJun 12, 2020
Not a bad thriller about one robbery. Like most such films in this genre, the film is chamber, because of this, acting is very important. But here it is not enough, there is also no properly built suspense. You can see it 1 time, but the filmNot a bad thriller about one robbery. Like most such films in this genre, the film is chamber, because of this, acting is very important. But here it is not enough, there is also no properly built suspense. You can see it 1 time, but the film will be forgotten in a couple of days because of its triviality.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
BroyaxJan 6, 2019
Un braquage de banque ingénieux et plutôt malin qui sait éveiller la curiosité et la maintenir du début à la fin : c'est bien rythmé, efficace et servi par l'excellent Clive Owen sur un plateau, sans oublier Jodi Foster, Christopher PlummerUn braquage de banque ingénieux et plutôt malin qui sait éveiller la curiosité et la maintenir du début à la fin : c'est bien rythmé, efficace et servi par l'excellent Clive Owen sur un plateau, sans oublier Jodi Foster, Christopher Plummer et Wilhem Dafoe... bref, du beau monde compétent et bien dirigé.

La mise en scène est d'ailleurs au diapason et en vérité tout devrait rouler pour un divertissement très divertissant qui ne réinvente pas la roue mais fait son boulot sans fioritures... Hélas, c'est aussi un film de Spike Lee et ce réalisateur est connu pour ses films de propagande dégoulinante du #vivre_ensemble, des "droits civiques" des minorités immigrées, des brutalités policières et de toutes ces autres conneries pleurnichardes gauchistes à l'agenda SJW chargé. Bref, du Caliméro industriel geignard et bien casse-couilles.

C'est vraiment dommage, car ça plombe sévèrement le film qui n'avait pas vraiment besoin de ça... ni de Denzel Washington toujours à rouler des mécaniques alors qu'il se fait rouler dans la farine ici... il a en tout cas l'air d'un con et ça le rend un peu plus supportable que d'habitude, l'habit faisant le moine je suppose, lui qui est sapé ici comme l'as de pique.

A vouloir attirer l'attention ainsi avec ses gesticulations de justicier social, Spike Lee loupe donc durablement le coche et gâche le travail accompli... mais pas totalement heureusement. Ce qui dans son cas tient finalement d'un petit miracle.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
zNeverSleepingFeb 6, 2020
É um bom filme para passar o tempo. A trama é bem amarradinha, apesar de que não me importei tanto com o que acontecia com os personagens e nem mesmo como os ladrões escapariam, o que automaticamente inutilizava todo o suspense que o filmeÉ um bom filme para passar o tempo. A trama é bem amarradinha, apesar de que não me importei tanto com o que acontecia com os personagens e nem mesmo como os ladrões escapariam, o que automaticamente inutilizava todo o suspense que o filme tentava construir, fazendo com que o mesmo parecesse mais demorado do que deveria ser - após a metade do filme, as coisas começam a andar mais e a sensação diminui.… Expand
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6
squecoreJul 3, 2020
The biggest problem with this move: it seems like they made the cops way too stupid. And it felt like it was because they couldn't write the plot well. Still an okay-ish movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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