MUST-SEE MATERIAL
Spike Lee brings out stellar performances from his cast in "Inside Man"
BY LAUREN ALLEN

Denzel Washington's new thriller "Inside Man" is definitely not for unimaginative souls. I'm not sure that I loved it, but it definitely left me contemplating suspect possibilities. Denzel plays an NPYD detective who's currently under criminal suspicion for corruption. Denzel and his partner, British newcomer Chiwetel Ejifor, are assigned to a robbery with a possible hostage situation. The captain's first choice was on vacation.

As the two detectives arrive on scene, the NYPD is already in high gear cordoning off the streets in preparation for whatever possible actions the situation may call for. The detectives are informed that a group of robbers are holding approximately 50 hostages in the bank. To make matters worse mastermind criminal, Clive Owens, has dressed not only his crew but the hostages in identical painter's outfits making it impossible for anyone on the outside to distinguish between the good guys and the bad guys. 

Meanwhile, in another part of town, the bank's president and CEO, played by Christopher Plummer, is being informed of the situation occurring at his bank. He immediately calls the city's biggest ball breaker played by Jody Foster. He informs her that he's aware of her reputation for being able to handle 'delicate situations' discreetly. There is a safe deposit box inside the bank containing items that if exposed would connect him to dishonorable deeds. He wants the items retrieved. The audience soon learns that he made a fortune during WWII dealing with the Nazis and absconding with some very valuable items taken from the Jews. Judging from his appearance, I'm assuming that he must have been about 10 years old when this all took place. 

After Foster puts the squeeze on the mayor, she is taken to Denzel and, strangely enough, is allowed inside the bank to speak with the lead robber. Once inside, she learns that he has already withdrawn the contents of the safety deposit box and has no intention of turning it over to her. Foster leaves the bank empty-handed. She then propositions Denzel, with an offer to have the corruption charges against him disappear if he'll help her help her client.

Denzel suspects that the criminals are stalling for time and arranges for his own one-on-one meeting with Owens. Confronting the robber with his theories, Owens orders Washington out of the bank. Before leaving, Denzel physically attacks him only to be confronted by one of Owens mercenaries and is forced out at gunpoint. Owens screams to Washington that he's now crossed the line as he leaves the scene. 

Murder, mayhem and confusion become the new theme as everyone inside the bank is flushed out onto the streets. The poor meat puppets start dropping like flies as the police begin to pick them off because at this point no one can tell the difference between the robbers and the hostages. The enigma that really perplexes the men in blue is that, much to their surprise, upon searching the freshly evacuated bank, it is discovered that no legal tender has been taken. 

I don't want to give away the twists and curves at the end, but I will say that writer Russel Gerwitz has definitely left the door wide open for a sequel. The writing in this story is absolutely first rate. One of the best exchanges in the film takes place between Denzel and Owens when the detective asks the criminal where he sees himself when this whole thing is finished. Owens replies, "I'm going to be sitting in a hot tub between six girls named Amber and Tiffany sucking on pina coladas." Denzel informs him that when he gets to where he's going, the only people he's going to be surrounded by will be named Bubba and Jose and that thing he'll be sucking on 'ain't no pina colada."

Although the presence of Jody Foster's character is a bit confusing at times, director Spike Lee brings out fantastic performances from everyone involved. The movie itself actually drags on in a few spots and one wonders if it's necessary to take such a long road to get to the final destination. Still in all, there are loads of excitement and intrigue and I would definitely add this to a list of flicks to see. LW