If “Den of Thieves” from 2018 resembled a rough, masculine re-imagining of Michael Mann’s “Heat” (1995), then the new “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” feels like a testosterone-fueled adaptation of Michael Mann’s “Miami Vice” (2006). This isn’t necessarily a criticism. The original’s focus on methodical plot and gritty realism has been swapped out for an intense, raw emotional intensity that prioritizes emotion over logical storytelling. This shift also provides an excellent platform for lead actor Gerard Butler, who has built a career on portraying rugged masculinity intertwined with vulnerability, making one question whether these two qualities might not be more interconnected than we think.
In this sequel, Danny “Big Nick” O’Brien, a detective with the Los Angeles Major Crimes Unit, reprises his role. In the previous film “Den of Thieves“, he was outsmarted by Donnie Wilson (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), a bartender and getaway driver who orchestrated the Federal Reserve robbery. The thieves’ strategy in that heist was ingenious; they aimed to steal the daily shredded money piles from the Fed, making it appear as if no money had been stolen since the cash was removed from circulation. Consequently, on paper, nothing seemed missing and no one was robbed, which the Fed wanted to keep secret. However, Big Nick, who has recently gone through a tumultuous divorce and can’t seem to move on, is relentless in his pursuit. He travels to Europe, locates Donnie who is now working with the Panthers, a gang of Eastern European criminals planning a significant diamond heist along the Côte d’Azur. It appears that Big Nick is no longer just interested in apprehending Donnie; he seems drawn to joining him instead.
It’s unclear exactly what transpired after that point in the story. My notes indicate “Gerard Butler eating a steak,” “Gerard Butler drinking,” “Gerard Butler falling off a small scooter,” “giant men eating tiny ice creams,” “cool cars,” and “Italians?” Much like the movie Den of Thieves, Pantera leaves us guessing about the criminals’ plans, giving us glimpses into their preparations but keeping the main heist a mystery until it unfolds on screen. This ambiguity adds to the appeal of these films. Unlike many heist movies, Pantera provides less exposition, creating an intriguing sense of confusion. Director Christian Gudegast captures the European settings with elegance and tension, as his visuals are complemented by shimmering electronica music. The shifting loyalties and confusing shots of criminals watching other criminals make us feel disoriented, as if we’ve arrived on a strange, intriguing planet where everyone seems to be a criminal.
The main focus of the film “Pantera” isn’t so much the cops-and-robbers story, but rather Nick’s fascination with the uninhibited lifestyle of a criminal and his deepening connection with Donnie. As Butler experiences the freedom of open-air discos, smokes hashish, and drinks copious amounts of slivovitz, his eyes sparkle with excitement. Late at night, they share tales about their paths leading them to their professions as a cop and a robber. While this could seem like typical character growth on paper, the actors’ convincing portrayal of their growing comfort around each other immerses us in this world, making us want to savor it just as Nick does.
The movie Pantera is part of the series that moves beyond just recreating the dynamics of earlier films and instead offers a more relaxed exploration of character relationships. These movies can initially receive negative feedback, like Ocean’s 12, 2 Fast 2 Furious, or Mission: Impossible 2, but eventually gain acceptance. For instance, the first Den of Thieves didn’t initially do well at the box office, but over time has been appreciated for its classic crime-thriller appeal. Gerard Butler has successfully maintained a career by portraying ordinary men facing extraordinary situations. Given this, the change in setting and tone in the new film fits perfectly, as we see Big Nick struggling with his desires in a drunken escape from his problems, making us empathize with him more than many modern movie heroes.
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2025-01-10 22:53