Inside Man

Year: 2006

Grade: B-

Country: USA

Director: Lee

Review

like lee’s last good film, 25th hour, this film functions fairly well on an allegorical level. it is, in some important ways, a comment on a post 9/11 america. in 25th hour lee addresses the issue from the standpoint of ed norton’s character who is a day away from going to jail. norton plays a character who blames his troubles on others and his friends enable his behavior through their lack of involvement. in inside man the story follows a bank robbery that serves as a way to explore the different facets of post 9/11 america – racism, terrorism, and most importantly – one’s greed/history haunting their present/future. the acting was good as was most of the direction. the ending was a bit too cute and there are some logistical/plot issues, but neither detracted too heavily.

my ranking of spike lee films from best to worst:
Do The Right Thing
Malcolm X
Bamboozled
He Got Game
Jungle Fever
25th Hour
Get On The Bus
Summer of Sam
Inside Man
Mo Better Blues
Original Kings Of Comedy

also seen, but can’t remember:
Clockers
Crooklyn
School Daze

Watched in theater