Back in 2018, when my daughter was born, I found myself on night duty. While my wife slept, I would take over from 1 AM onward, tending to feedings and diaper changes in the quiet hours of the night. During these moments, I’d pass the time dabbling in video games and watching movies. It was during one of these late-night shifts that I first discovered Den of Thieves, a low-budget heist movie starring Gerard Butler, 50 Cent, Pablo Schreiber, and O’Shea Jackson Jr.
For me, it was a hidden gem—a gritty, action-packed thriller that harkened back to the days of The Italian Job remake and Gone in 60 Seconds. The film became a bit of a cult classic in my mind, thanks in part to its clever twist ending that left a lasting impression. When rumors of a sequel began swirling shortly after its release, I was intrigued. However, between budget constraints, the pandemic, and even geopolitical events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the sequel took nearly six years to materialize.
Now, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is finally here—and it was well worth the wait.
A Sequel We Didn’t Know We Needed
Returning to the screen are Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., reprising their roles in a film that feels like a breath of fresh air amid the repetitive landscape of superhero flicks, artsy horror films, and the kid’s movies I’ve been subjected to recently. At just over 2 hours and 20 minutes, Pantera is admittedly a bit lengthy, but for a movie made on a modest budget, it delivers a heist story packed with humor, tension, and thrilling action.
The Bromance and the Twist
The dynamic between Butler and Jackson stands out as a highlight of the film. Their chemistry adds humor and depth, making the story more engaging. The writing is sharp, with dialogue that keeps you invested in the characters’ journey. And like the first film, Pantera delivers a gut-punch twist at the end—the kind that you hope won’t happen but leaves you emotionally drained when it does. No spoilers, but trust me, it’s worth experiencing firsthand.
Edge-of-Your-Seat Action
Two standout sequences elevate Pantera from being just another heist movie. First, the depiction of the heist itself is nothing short of masterful. Director Christian Gudegast captures the tension and stakes from a fresh perspective, keeping my anxiety high in the best way possible. It’s a testament to his ability to craft gripping, edge-of-your-seat cinema.
The second is a high-octane car chase through a tunnel spanning France and Italy. With gunfire and engine revs echoing through the tunnel, the sound design and cinematography create an intense, immersive experience. It’s one of the most fun and exhilarating sequences I’ve seen in a while.
A Fun and Over-the-Top Ride
Sure, like most heist movies, Pantera is a bit unbelievable and over-the-top. But isn’t that the point? A realistic heist movie would be over in 10 minutes: Crew plans heist, crew gets arrested. Instead, Pantera leans into the genre’s tropes, delivering an entertaining ride that immerses you in the thieves’ world—or their “den,” if you will.
Final Thoughts
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is a worthy follow-up to its underrated predecessor. With strong performances, engaging humor, and action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat, it’s a must-see for fans of the heist genre. Whether it’s the camaraderie between Butler and Jackson or the high-stakes drama of the heist itself, this movie has it all.
So grab your popcorn and head to the theater. You won’t be disappointed—I certainly wasn’t. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another six years for the third installment, but if it’s anything like this one, it’ll be worth it.
Final score: 8.4/10
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