“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” Review: An Action-Packed Heist Procedural

by Tom January 10, 2025

“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” takes audiences on a thrilling ride through the criminal underworld, drawing inspiration from action classics like “Ronin.” Set in the stunning city of Nice, France, this heist procedural follows Nick O’Brien as he embarks on a mission to find mastermind Donnie Wilson. However, things take an unexpected turn when Nick decides to join forces with Donnie instead. Filled with meticulous planning and intense detail, this action-packed film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats for over 140 minutes. With charismatic performances from Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., “Den of Thieves 2” is a must-see adventure in the world of international crime.

“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” Review: An Action-Packed Heist Procedural

– “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” is a sequel to the 2018 film and draws inspiration from “Ronin” and other European-set stories of international criminals.
– The film follows Nick O’Brien as he seeks revenge on Donnie Wilson, the mastermind behind a previous robbery, but ends up joining Donnie’s team for a massive heist.
– The movie is focused on the planning of the heist, filled with detail and tension, and features a standout chase/shoot-out sequence in the French hillside.

“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” takes inspiration from John Frankenheimer’s “Ronin” and delivers a heist procedural set in the gorgeous city of Nice, France. Writer/director Christian Gudegast pays close attention to detail, opting for a granular exploration of a massive criminal undertaking rather than going for big, flashy action. The film is elevated by the charismatic performances of Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., who effortlessly slip back into their roles as Nick O’Brien and Donnie Wilson. Despite its lengthy runtime, the film never feels dull or tedious, keeping viewers engaged with its meticulous planning and simmering tension. While the lack of a strong supporting cast may be a drawback, the chemistry between Butler and Jackson more than makes up for it. Overall, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” pulls off an impressive heist narrative and earns a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

In this long-awaited sequel, Nick O’Brien is still haunted by the unsolved robbery of the Federal Reserve. Despite his superiors urging him to move on, Nick is determined to catch Donnie Wilson, the true mastermind behind the heist. When he discovers that Donnie is involved in a diamond heist in Antwerp, Nick heads to Europe to join his side rather than arrest him. While the premise sets up a classic cat-and-mouse chase, the film takes a different direction by making Nick a key player in Donnie’s new heist. However, the ease with which Nick integrates into the criminal world feels slightly implausible, and the shift in focus from Donnie to Nick in the latter half of the film is a missed opportunity.

Despite these minor flaws, the film excels in its meticulous attention to detail. Gudegast dives deep into the planning process, exploring camera cycles, false identities, and intricate strategies. The constant presence of potential traps adds to the suspense, with former crew members seeking revenge and the Italian mafia vying for Donnie’s head. The film makes clever use of misdirection, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats as they wait for the heist to unfold. Gudegast’s willingness to prioritize planning over action showcases his commitment to creating a well-crafted narrative.

The length of “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” may initially seem daunting, clocking in at over 140 minutes. However, the film manages to hold the audience’s attention throughout. Once Nick and Donnie develop a strong bond, the movie gains momentum and builds up to an exhilarating final set piece—the French hillside chase and shoot-out. This sequence is a testament to Gudegast’s skill as an action director, capturing the raw intensity of bullets flying and vehicles colliding without relying on CGI effects. The grounded nature of the action adds a layer of realism that is often missing from similar films.

While the supporting cast may not be as memorable as those in the first film, the exceptional chemistry between Butler and Jackson compensates for it. Their dynamic as the buddy duo is a highlight, making their scenes together thoroughly enjoyable. Evin Ahmad also delivers a solid performance as a potential love interest for Nick. The film succeeds in reigniting the chemistry between the two leads, making their return after seven years feel seamless.

“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” delivers a captivating heist procedural that pays homage to classic action films. Gudegast’s meticulous attention to detail and stellar performances from Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. elevate the film. Despite its lengthy runtime, the movie never drags and keeps viewers engaged with its intricate planning and simmering tension. Although the lack of a strong supporting cast is a slight drawback, the chemistry between the two leads more than makes up for it. “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” earns a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.