Director Christian Gudegast’s sequel to the 2018 cult hit “Den of Thieves” is titled “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.” This follow-up builds on the original’s foundation while venturing into new territory. Co-star Gerard Butler reprises his role as “Big Nick” O’Brien, a morally ambiguous Los Angeles County Sheriff’s detective. In this installment, the story shifts to the scenic hills of Nice, France, where Nick finds himself pursuing a new crew of crafty thieves led by a captivating character, Jovanna, portrayed by Evin Ahmad.
The sequel pays homage to the Robert De Niro thriller “Ronin” with its exhilarating car chases and high-stakes heists involving precious diamonds. O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s character, Donnie Wilson, who was a standout in the first film, has now aligned himself with the Serbian Mafia, known as Pantera, and is embroiled in significant diamond thefts.
In a humorous twist, Nick, recently divorced and hunting for leads, navigates the streets of France with a more laid-back demeanor. As he indulges in local delicacies such as coffee and pastries, his chase for Donnie and the Pantera crew takes a light-hearted turn, leading to antics that blur the lines between comedy and crime drama.
However, while “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” has its fun moments, it lacks the intensity and edge that defined the first movie. Critics have noted that the blend of comedy may overshadow the thrilling chase that fans anticipated. The villains, including the Serbian gang and Sicilian Mafiosos, appear underdeveloped, resulting in a diluted sense of danger compared to the original film.
Christian Gudegast, who opted for a solo screenplay this time, attempts inventive heists, but the sequel feels more like a breezy jaunt through France than a gripping crime saga. With a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes, some viewers may find it less taut than its predecessor.
While the film offers a fun reunion with Big Nick and a glimpse into a new lifestyle, it might leave fans longing for the calculated tension and character depth established in “Den of Thieves.” Nonetheless, this continuation of the franchise highlights the charm of escapism and comedic camaraderie amidst a backdrop of crime, giving viewers a different flavor compared to the original’s hard-hitting narrative.
In summary, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” is an entertaining ride, albeit with a more relaxed vibe. It reflects a blend of action and humor, showcasing familiar characters in a fresh European setting, which could delight fans new to the franchise while leaving some of the core tension behind. As we watch Nick navigate new culinary and criminal adventures, there’s hope that future installments might reclaim the dynamic balance of thrills and character depth.