The basic story is that Clive Owen plays a very intelligent bank robber, Denzel Washington plays a very intelligent negotiation cop and Jodie Foster plays a very intelligent...well you'll see.
There are a few things that make this film very good for its genre (when I say for its genre, I'd put it just behind Heat and Reservoir Dogs, but ahead of Dog Day Afternoon and Ocean's Eleven).
Strong Cast
Firstly, its cast works perfectly, there are a lot of actors all giving good small supporting roles, but the main ones are each in their element. Denzel is compelling as usual. Owen thinks with a plan, is measured, calculating and ruthless, like all good villains. Foster is somewhat of a mix of the two certainly playing her own game.
Well Directed
Second, it was well handled by Spike Lee, who gives it a lot of forward motion.
Lee has managed to hone his raw talents usually reserved for more powerful and smaller "message films" into this bigger more commercial venture.
Great Writing
Finally, the script is incredibly well written. No plot holes. It's all there on the screen, you just need to work it out and thats what makes it interesting. Answers are revealed in a timely fashion so it's not an exercise in just waiting for the answers to come. It's like all great thrillers...it slowly dawns upon you.
Go see it, if you like quality work. One of the best I've seen so far this year.
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."
