Den of Thieves 2: Pantera aims to satisfy fans with a sequel that doesn’t try too hard, taking the cat-and-mouse game from its predecessor in stride. Writer/director Christian Gurdegast leans into Gerard Butler’s persona, while O’Shea Jackson Jr. brings a new dynamic to their on-screen partnership.
The story follows “Big Nick” O’Brien as he travels to France to bring down a new crew led by Donnie Wilson. However, the film struggles with rushed dialogue and accents, particularly in its portrayal of French organized crime. The plot is reminiscent of Fast & Furious, Donnie Brasco, and The Town, but lacks the grounded authenticity of its predecessor.
The pacing picks up around 90 minutes in, as the central heist begins. The film relies on a ticking-clock scenario, with thrilling escapes and last-second moves. However, like its predecessor, Pantera clocks in at over 140 minutes, leaving some storylines underdeveloped.
Despite this, the sequel is entertaining and sets up potential for future films. With Gerard Butler’s charm and O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s chemistry, Pantera will likely satisfy fans of the original Den of Thieves.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/den-of-thieves-2-pantera-review-gerard-butler-oshea-jackson-jr