Review: Spike does the wrong thing with 'Inside Man'

He followed up with “School Daze” and in 1989 directed what is still his finest work, “Do the Right Thing.” That film established him as a major force, and since then he’s had hits and misses. He’s directed some great, mass-appeal films like “Malcolm X” and “Clockers,” as well as some personal statements that went nearly unnoticed (“Crooklyn,” “Get On the Bus,” “Summer of Sam”).

With his latest film, “Inside Man,” Lee has the highest dollar, most well-known cast of his career and a screenplay with strong potential. A bank caper film – in the hands of a great director – can always be fun. “Inside Man” has that promise. With a cast that includes Denzel Washington, Christopher Plummer, Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe and Clive Owen, the film’s credibility goes without saying. But somehow, what comes to the screen is flat at best and at other times, simply boring.

Owen, as Dalton Russell, begins the film by telling us he’s about to pull off the perfect bank robbery. He and his gang of ski-mask-clad accomplices take over a bank run by Arthur Case (Plummer) and the stage is set. But early on the audience gets the hint that this is not a normal bank heist.

The robbers leave millions of dollars in bills untouched and seem more concerned with getting access to certain safe-deposit boxes. One contains evidence that a main character here was a Nazi during World War II. Why in heaven’s name a clandestine Nazi would keep records of his involvement boggles the mind of even the least analytical moviegoer.

On the side of justice is detective Keith Frazier (Washington). Under the aegis of trigger-happy captain John Darius (Dafoe), Frazier has to deal with not only Russell and his gang but also an operative brought in by the bank.

Foster, showing a sexiness she rarely utilizes, plays Madeline White, a specialist whose specialties are not clearly defined. To her credit, Foster plays the rather cloudy role with her usual aplomb, but her character is the source of a lot of the frustration surrounding this screenplay.

All the while I was waiting for a big twist to take the somewhat lackadaisical plot to an expected next level. That never really occurred, although the final scene features a wrinkle that makes the viewer like Dalton Russell all the more.

I have mixed feelings about “Inside Man.” I didn’t enjoy it but have the nagging feeling I may have missed something. I’m planning on giving it a second look when it’s released on DVD.

Moxie A Go-Go

After a mere six months, Springfield’s little jewel, The Moxie, has already begun branching out. March 25th marked the maiden voyage of “The Moxie a Go-Go.”

Here’s how Dan Chilton explains it on The Moxie Web site: “Keeping with our mission of offering unique cinematic experiences to the Springfield community, The Moxie is proud to announce our latest film series, Moxie A Go-Go. Think of it as a portable Moxie experience that can be shown anywhere. Our inaugural event will be dinner and a film in the Pavilion room at Mille’s, 313 S. Jefferson.”

The event was a huge success. There was a great film – the French comedy “Le Placard” – and fine food by Dave Bauer and the folks at Mille’s. It turned out so well that Mille’s insisted it be done again in April. The Moxie had already booked a gig at The Skinny Improv but decided to do two Moxie A Go-Go’s in April.

Plans for the Mille’s show are in the works. As for the Skinny Improv event, it will feature the film “Monster a Go-Go” (no kidding) with members of The Skinny Improv providing commentary ala “Mystery Science Theater 3000.” The folks at Skinny are very good at what they do, and this promises to be a real hoot. It’s April 20 at The Skinny Improv on Park Central East. Tickets are a mere $8 and can be purchased at The Moxie. Check their Web site, www.moxiecinema.com, for details about this, the April Mille’s feature and all other Moxie information.

Jim Wunderle owns Wunderle Sound Services and is a Springfield free-lance writer and musician. He can be reached by e-mail at info@wunderlesound.com or on his Web site, www.wunderlesound.com.[[In-content Ad]]