DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA (2025)

Written & Directed By: Christian Gudecast

Based on characters created by: Christian Gudecast and Peter T. Scheuring 

Cinematography: Terry Stacey 

Editor: Robert Nordh 

Cast: Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Evin Ahmed, Salvatore Esposito, Orli Shuka, Stephane Coulon, Yasen Zates Atour, Christian Solimeno, Nazmiye Oral

Big Nick is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie, who is embroiled in the treacherous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.

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A direct sequel to the actions, characters in the story of the previous film, though written, and directed by the same Filmmakers of the first 

Film this film goes for a totally different and new style while still packing on the action and tension.

The first film was like an updated version of Michael man’s heat only hopped up on energy drinks, and it went way over the top and trying to portray machismo and reeked of testosterone and one upmanship throughout. It also was a cops and robbers tail with twist interns, but also deep character work, or we got to know both sides.

And this equal the few survivors of the first film are back again. This is more cops and robbers but more of the cop going undercover and you not really being able to Tell has he turned completely or is he still a cop trying to do his job.

Also, in filming overseas and that is what the film style is more laid-back and cool more European Just as stylish, though a little more smooth. It also forms a kind of buddy cop, criminal relationship that has its comedic moments, but stays dramatic.

Not as much need for character backgrounds as we know the leads already so that while the film is more flashy, it’s still keeps us invested, even though it doesn’t need to be as long as it is.

Cheaves what you would expect from a sequel it’s not Surprising as the first film but again we only really get to know the two leads where is everybody else is more a 1 to 2 dimensional character, and all the female roles seem to be here because they have to be or given very little to do other than look attractive. This is again more of a male fantasy film.

Though wish there was more of new co-Star Evin Ahmed in the film. As her character is one of the masterminds of the heists. Though it seems like she is more of a note of tension. That might be explored if this film ever has another sequel. Which one hopes happens.

That seems to track Bro-code loyalty, and still having a loose set of morals. Though there is plenty of car chases heist scenes, shoot outs in fighting to keep you entertained. Even though it is more of a thriller and O’Shea Jackson comes across more loose in this film. Though again his character seems in over his head and more the innocent amongst the others. 

Though it is a satisfying continuation. It’s missing that grit, but finds It’s own identity rather then be inspired by another and bringing some new cards to the table. While giving you what you expect. 

One of the roles Gerard butler was born to play and wished he played in more films such as this or at least characters like this more often. There isnMt as much grit characterization making this more Hollywood version of the sequel and also a lot more predictable. Though it hasn’t lost It’s style totally. 

Can admit by the end wanted to own a Porsche. If not just for the design for the sound it makes while driving it. 

Grade: B- 

COCAINE BEAR (2023()

Directed by: Elizabeth Banks
Written By: Jimmy Warden
Cinematography: John Guleserian
Editor: Joel Negron 

Cast: Keri Russell, Margo Martindale, Ray Liotta, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Isiah Whitlock Jr., Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ayoola Smart, Brooklynn Prince, Matthew Rhys 

An oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists, and teens converge on a Georgia forest where a huge black bear goes on a murderous rampage after unintentionally ingesting cocaine.


This isn’t Another SNAKES ON A PLANE.  where the title not only says it all but is more built on hype than story. As this is partially based on a true story. What It revels in are shocks and more shocking humor.

A dark comedy that some might consider a bit macabre. 

As going along with the title the film seeks to have a need to push things as far as they can with characters who represent a different part of the audience. Though In the end a lot of them come across more as caricatures set up for impending doom.

The film is more built on sensationalism. As that is what you feel as you watch it as it is more, check your brain at the door. 

The bear is a beast that seems to be like jaws as it shows up from time to time with no rhyme or reason except the script needs it to on its hint for more drugs that seem to drive it to be more aggressive than in the final act throws a curveball as to why it should be spared 

More of an ensemble than expected. As we see the reasons why some of them are there to either survive. We root for or see their demise in inventive ways. Either way, before long l we get to know them To some capacity excellent and bad 

The film Calls itself a horror comedy and while it has violent gore and jump scares it comes across as a  Violent comedy with surprises and thrills. That is meant to be fun more than anything. 

It thoroughly Exploits its Set time period of the 1980s overly but overtly 

For what it does offer there always seems to be the feeling that something is missing. It should be a bigger film or story. Though that might be personal for this reviewer. As it certainly provides enough for a cinematic experience and audience expectations.

As it goes the places you expect, there seems to be so much more that could have been done but too grandiose as this works better as more of a contained story. 

While you are still on the edge of your seat you never truly consider most of this believable. Like Jurassic park, it’s an animal world of nature. They know it as they live it. The characters just inhabit it and struggle to survive. As they were the ones to disturb it and throw it off-center.

Its strength stays in the attack sequences that are more like set pieces. The ranger’s cabin, The Ambulance sequence, and The Tree Climb, they are both massacres but also memorable comedic sequences that go over the top.

Cocaine bear is an example of a movie that promises to go balls to the wall but only

Goes so far. It’s when a film tries too hard to be campy and misses what makes most films campy in the first place. Just believing it knows. It’s more mainstream reaching to be more out there but not knowing exactly how

Grade: C+

INGRID GOES WEST (2017)

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Directed By: Matt Spicer
Written By: David Branson Smith & Matt Spicer
Cinematography By: Bryce Fortner
Editor: Jack Price 


Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O’Shea Jackson Jr. Wyatt Russell, Billy Magnussen, Pom Klementieff, Joseph Breen, Angelica Amor 


Ingrid Thorburn is an unhinged social media stalker with a history of confusing “likes” for meaningful relationships. Taylor Sloane is an Instagram-famous “influencer” whose perfectly curated, boho-chic lifestyle becomes Ingrid’s latest obsession. When Ingrid moves to LA and manages to insinuate herself into the social media star’s life, their relationship quickly goes from #BFF to #WTF.

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