Den of Thieves

TAKING place in the underbelly of Los Angeles – the capital of the world for bank robberies, according to writer/director Gudegast – Den of Thieves is more than just a brawny cop/crime thriller, as the characters suck you into the dynamic storyline without you even knowing.

It’s still a tale of cops versus robbers, but without playing into the trope of ‘good versus bad’, providing a closer reflection on the complexity of real-life situations.

Hotheaded, impulsive Nick O’Brien (Butler) leads the major crimes squad within the LA County Sheriff’s Department, known as the Regulators, and even has a tattoo to symbolise it, reminiscent of being in a gang, but with a badge.

With a penchant for strip clubs, guns, and alcohol, Nick and his team will not hesitate to use violence in the pursuit of the ‘bad guys’, in this case, robbers called the Outlaws, all with a military background.

Heading this sophisticated group is Ray Merriman (Schreiber), who is meticulous and calm, with prior experience of planning expert bank heists.

His team includes right-hand man Enson (50 Cent) and skilled getaway driver Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr), who all thrive on the adrenaline of robbing banks.

The Outlaws intend on achieving the biggest heist to date – robbing the impenetrable Federal Reserve – even with the Regulators hot on their trail, and both parties sharing an intricate relationship where they are all aware of the impending robbery.

You can’t help but get invested in the characters, especially Nick and Enson’s caring sides when it comes to their respective daughters, while making great sacrifices for the sake of the job.

You can expect to be blindsided by the unexpected twist at the end, since the movie focuses heavily on the alpha-male egos of the leaders from both sides, and what their next moves are.

The depth of characters and the story in Den of Thieves makes it worth watching, but be ready for guns, guns, and more guns. Cast: Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber, and Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson Director: Christian Gudegast E-Value: 7 Acting: 8 Plot: 8