Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (2025)

Release Date: January 10, 2025
Director: Christian Gudegast
Starring: Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Evin Ahmad, Salvatore Esposito, Meadow Williams, Swen Temmel, Michael Bisping, Rico Verhoeven, Ciryl Gane

The Plot: Diamonds, Deception, and the French Riviera

Following the explosive events of Den of Thieves (2018), the story picks up with Detective Nick “Big Nick” O’Brien (Gerard Butler), still relentlessly pursuing Donnie Wilson (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), the mastermind behind the infamous Federal Reserve heist. The film’s plot takes a turn when Nick tracks Donnie to Europe, where he’s pulled into a meticulously planned diamond heist in the glamorous but dangerous French Riviera. The heist revolves around the World Diamond Authority in Nice, France, and the notorious Pantera mafia syndicate. As the tension rises, the film explores not just the heist itself but the relationships between the characters and the ever-present feeling of betrayal that runs through the story. The movie does a great job of building suspense and showing how every detail of a high-stakes robbery needs to be calculated to perfection.

The Cast: Butler’s Return and Jackson’s Rise

Gerard Butler, as expected, gives another solid performance as the morally gray cop, Nick O’Brien. His portrayal of Nick balances intensity with a layer of dry humor that feels authentic. While it’s not his best work—300 will always hold that crown—Butler carries the film with confidence, offering a character who is still deeply haunted by his past. His chemistry with O’Shea Jackson Jr. is compelling; their dynamic has evolved since the first film. Jackson’s portrayal of Donnie shows clear growth in his acting ability. When Den of Thieves first came out, Jackson was still finding his footing in Hollywood, but now, years later, he’s showing a lot more nuance and range. He no longer feels like a rookie actor and brings a more seasoned approach to his character.

The supporting cast also steps up to add weight to the film. Evin Ahmad as Jovanna brings a certain mystery to her role, while Salvatore Esposito’s Slavko adds an element of unpredictability to the heist. Their performances work well with the leads, giving the movie an edge that keeps things from feeling stagnant. It’s easy to forget how the cast in these films can elevate the stakes and the storytelling, but Pantera reminds us that the ensemble is critical to making the heist genre work.

The Vibe: A Shift in Tone

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera clearly shifts its tone from its predecessor. While the original film was often compared to Michael Mann’s Heat, Pantera channels a bit of John Frankenheimer’s Ronin with its European setting and slow-burn pacing. The film isn’t as fast-paced as its predecessor, and instead of being a non-stop action thrill ride, it takes its time with the setup. The heist planning, in particular, gets a lot of screen time, which gives us a deeper understanding of the meticulous effort required for a diamond heist of this scale. For some, this slower pacing might feel like it drags, but it ultimately serves the film’s purpose of making every action sequence hit harder once the stakes are raised.

One thing that stands out is the setting. The French Riviera, with its sun-soaked landscapes and high-end locations, adds a layer of glamour to what’s essentially a gritty crime story. The contrast between the luxury of the Riviera and the shady world of crime rings true, and the cinematography captures this dynamic beautifully. The shots of Nice, the winding coastal roads, and the luxurious interior settings all add to the film’s allure, contrasting the luxury of the world these criminals are targeting with the brutal and unforgiving lifestyle of those pulling the heist.

The Ending: High Stakes and High Tension

The climax of Pantera hits hard. After a slow build-up, the last act delivers a series of high-octane chase sequences, a shootout, and the inevitable betrayals that come with the territory of a heist movie. There’s an undeniable tension as the characters navigate their shifting allegiances, and the high-speed driving scenes, especially in the hills above Nice, are thrilling to watch. The filmmakers use every opportunity to build the suspense and drop clues about where the story’s headed, keeping you guessing until the very end.

One of the most satisfying elements of the ending is the unexpected twist. As someone who’s watched a lot of heist movies, I can usually see where the plot is going a mile off, but Pantera threw a curveball that took me by surprise. Without giving anything away, the twist doesn’t feel forced—it’s clever and adds a layer of unpredictability to the story. I really appreciate it when a movie can keep me on my toes, and this film did just that.

Controversy: Expectations vs. Reality

It’s safe to say that some viewers were disappointed by the film’s pacing. The trailers heavily marketed Pantera as a fast-paced action thriller, but the reality is that the film takes its time to delve into the heist’s planning and execution. While this is a great move for fans of crime thrillers, those looking for non-stop action might find it a bit too slow. Additionally, the 144-minute runtime may feel a bit long for a film of this genre. Some critics argued that the film spent too much time on the setup and not enough on the action, which ultimately led to mixed reactions. Personally, I thought the build-up was necessary to give the heist some weight, but I can see how others might have been frustrated.

Also, there’s the absence of 50 Cent, who was a prominent part of the first film. While I enjoyed his character in the first Den of Thieves, his absence didn’t detract from the movie. The film focused more on the core dynamic between Butler and Jackson, and in all honesty, I didn’t feel like it missed anything without 50 Cent’s involvement. The story didn’t need him to work, and that speaks to how the film successfully built on the original without leaning too heavily on past characters.

Public Feedback: Mixed Reactions

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera has received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 63% critic score, with an 80% audience score, indicating that general audiences enjoyed the film more than critics. Some critics praised the film’s character-driven approach, and its focus on the planning stages of the heist, while others felt it lacked the same intensity and adrenaline that made the first film a hit. I can understand both sides of the argument—the film doesn’t quite pack the same punch as Den of Thieves, but it delivers a solid, suspenseful story that moves the franchise forward.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Sequel with Room for Improvement

In the end, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera is a well-crafted sequel that offers a fresh take on the heist genre. While it might not offer the same level of action as its predecessor, it makes up for it with a deeper focus on the intricacies of planning a major robbery and the character dynamics at play. The pacing may be slower, and some may find the 144-minute runtime a bit much, but it’s still an enjoyable watch if you’re a fan of heist films. Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. continue to impress, and the film has a few exciting twists to keep you engaged. If you’re a fan of the first film, Pantera is definitely worth checking out, even if it doesn’t quite match the level of the original. It’s not going to change the world of cinema, but it’s a solid watch if you’re in the mood for a suspenseful, well-crafted crime thriller.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)

A solid sequel with great character development and suspenseful heist elements, though not as action-packed as its predecessor. A good pick for fans of the genre, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the original.