A top-notch cast, a seasoned and visionary director, and a clever plot that keeps us guessing. What else could we really want in a cop drama, right? The answer is nothing. Inside Man is a clever, alluring film that twists and turns in all the right ways until it finally trots to a close. And while it does drag a little at the end, the story is fantastically paced otherwise. Owen and Washington’s dangerous cat-and-mouse game is fun to watch as it is wrapped up into a visual feast of a film that has very quickly become my favorite all time Spike Lee joint.
And then, once you get done with the film, there is more to see. This is a DVD review, remember? I have always said that it is easy to ruin a great film with a horrid DVD release, and thankfully it looks like Spike Lee understands that concept as well. The DVD is well fit with a few solid special features, including a unique look at the professional history of Spike Lee and Denzel Washington. On top of that, there is also 25 minutes of deleted scenes, a “Making of” feature and commentary by the director himself. All of this just seems to enhance what is already a film that should end up in your collection. Regardless of the special features, Inside Man is a DVD that you should not only see, but one that you should own.
Film Grade: 
DVD Grade:
The Upside: Lee’s film is a visual spectacle that is sharp and engaging.
The Downside: The film drags toward the end, but it is still worth seeing for the intense first three-quarters.
On the Side: According to an interview with Spike Lee, Ron Howard was first going to direct the film. But 'Russell Crowe' showed him Cinderella Man, and Howard went off to do that instead.
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Article comments
1 - mykal younge
i agree with your right-on-target comments about Inside Man, but the narrow-minded remarks about Denzel were way off track. You set yourself up by making him just a black actor. He is the best actor period out there. You can't give me a current leading man with his range and consistency forexcellence. Not DeNiro, Pacino, Crowe, Hanks, Cruise, anyone. Malcolm X is a monumental achievement. Crimson Tide, he and Gene Hackman define power acting. On and on: Glory, Training Day, Mississippi Masala, etc. Its clear that Denzel, because of the racism in Hollywood doesn't get the wild acclaim he deserves, but his cinematic resume speaks for himself. Everybodys taste is just that everybodys' taste.
2 - RichKL
Guess I missed something? Exactly why did the leader stay inside?
I'm guessing it was to avoid voice recognition, in the post siege debriefings, but it seems very little was made of that. Besides, what about the accomplice who said "Are we finished". I thought Frazier would have everyone saying that phrase, during the 'debrief.
Is there another reason?