By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
The highly anticipated actioner kicking off 2025 is
"Den of Thieves 2: Pantera" and, much like its 2018 predecessor, this sequel delivers an equally thrilling experience.
Director
Christian Gudegast, ("Den of Thieves") once again brings a gritty heist drama to the screen, combining tense action, interesting characters, and unexpected twists.
The beefy brute,
Gerard Butler is back as Nicholas "Big Nick" a hard-nosed relentless former cop who is still broken and reeling from a life of misfortune.
Big Nick's obsession with bringing down criminal mastermind Donnie (a particularly good O'Shea Jackson Jr., "Cocaine Bear") has only left him with bragging rights and not much else.
With his life in shambles, Nick decides to seek out Donnie, who has since aligned himself with a dangerous group of skilled thieves led by the cunning Jovanna (Evin Ahmad, "Who Is Erin Carter?").
Big Nick's journey into the heart of the criminal underworld in Europe is engaging, and the camaraderie that develops between him and Donnie is both unexpected and entertaining. Their dynamic, particularly as they navigate and adapt to French culture, adds a layer of humor and light-heartedness that balances out the intense action.
Things take an interesting turn when Donnie is tasked with retrieving a rare red diamond and must face off against the very criminals he betrayed. These baddies are determined to kill both him and Big Nick to reclaim the precious gem. That sets the stage for some heavy hitting.
It's a bit surprising to see how quickly Donnie accepts and trusts Big Nick, but their chemistry makes this leap of faith easier to accept.
At its core, "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera" subtly critiques the system of law enforcement, suggesting that maybe the good guys aren't always the heroes, and the bad guys can win every once in a while. This underlying message adds a layer of depth to the story, making the film more than just a straightforward heist flick.
Although the premise may seem a bit thin at times, the movie's 144-minute runtime becomes a rewarding, albeit lengthy, ride and demonstrates that there is still plenty of life left in the "Den of Thieves" franchise. By the end, viewers will be left eager to see where the story goes next and loving the wild ride, they just experienced.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
