‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’ – A tighter, faster sequel

In my review of the original Den of Thieves, I described its take on the heist genre as “remarkably stupid”. It seems my sentiment towards the Gerard Butler-led ensemble may have been apt, but could not diminish the lofty ambitions for the series as now, seven years later, a sequel is upon us, but thankfully the benefit of setting such a low bar is, it isn’t very hard to surpass it.

Without a doubt Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is a better film. Its ensemble cast has dwindled in size, and is a more refined story because of it. The movie focuses on Gerard Butler’s Nick and O’Shea Jackson Jr’s Donnie, engaged once again in a cat-and-mouse game that sees them on the same side despite minimal trust between the two.

It’s funny watching these characters who are against all odds working together. Their affinity for one another seems to boil down to reluctant mutual affection. As much as Butler is meant to be playing a cop with a distaste for criminals, he can’t help but like spending time with someone who’s made criminality a career. Their bromance makes the movie work, getting you through the slower parts of a film that feels about 30 minutes too long.

When things get fast-paced, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is more than just an improved sequel, but a genuinely impressive action film. Impressively the car chases, the heist scenes, and the shootouts, are all exhilarating and engaging, resulting in a movie that’s faster and more furious than a film with six times the budget of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.

With its reduced cast and midsize budget, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is able to do more with less. Its characters are far from complex, but there’s enough conflict between them to make for a halfway decent caper. If nothing else, the movie makes great use of its European setting with awe-inspiring vistas that give an air of sophistication, with a James Bond-like aesthetic.

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera doesn’t break the mould for heist films, but it’s a more streamlined sequel and a pleasant surprise to start 2025.

Rating: Half Price

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies. Email feedback to entertainment@gleanerjm.com