STORYLINE: Butler returns as Big Nick (Butler), this time on the hunt in Europe for Donnie (Jackson Jr.) who is embroiled in the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia as they plot a massive heist of the world’s biggest diamond exchange. (IMDb)

   There are two factors that make a heist film exciting for me.  The first is there enough danger in the heist to make the film exciting.  The second factor is how entertaining the plan and its execution to steal the items are.  In 2018 Den of Thieves checked both of these boxes.   In 2025 O’Shea Jackson and Gerald Butler return for the sequel, Den of Thieves 2:  Pantera.

    As a true sequel the steaks are raised.  In this heist sequel that checks the box of creating danger and excitement in the story. In this excitement there are exciting action sequences and predictable twists abd turns.  All of which I enjoyed. 

    Where the film fell short of its predecessor is the execution of the heist was not as slick.  It was definitely thrilling.  The first films heist featured some twists and turns that I found cool to watch in addition to being exciting and the sequel missed that mark.

    Yes the Den of Thieves sequel suffered the sophomore slump but was still entertaining.  Not bad for a matinee.

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!