Take what was most enjoyed about the first iteration of “Den of Thieves,” in 2018, and then take it away. In my review of this year’s second installment, I’m not saying “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” isn’t a good film. However, the things that made the first one a surprise aren’t present. Well, most of it anyway.
The 2025 new release was in theaters on Jan. 10 and is now available for rental at home on Prime Video.
“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” (2025) Review: New Release to On-Demand Streaming
A New Feel in the Den
“Den of Thieves 2” strips the grimy, grungy and dirty look from the original, replacing it with sleek cleanliness. To me, that was a huge difference. I loved how the first one felt like a gritty cop/heist thriller. It felt more realistic and true to itself. This one feels like it’s trying too hard to be something that doesn’t fit its mold.
Still, that isn’t to take away from the beauty of this film. It is very pleasing to look at. The location shots and set pieces are beautiful. I was just expecting it to be something else.
Gerard Butler Carries
One main thing that didn’t change was our man Gerard Butler; “Big Nick” is certainly back. He’s still the greasy, quippy, smartass cop that doesn’t give a shit what you think of him. I appreciate Butler’s commitment to that, even when thrown into a much cleaner landscape.
O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Donnie Wilson ‘Jean-Jacques’) didn’t change a whole lot, either. He’s much cleaner and likable in this, and the “bromance” the two form was unexpected and kind of a high point for me.
Subpar Action
The action isn’t nearly on the same level as the original. However, I did like the heist portion of the film, though it seemed far too long and had too much setup to get us there. It’s far slower than its predecessor. The car chase scenes are good, more so in the final 15 minutes of the film. As a whole, though, it was simply underwhelming.
Newcomer Evin Ahmad Impresses
I did very much enjoy Evin Ahmad (Jovanna ‘Cleopatra’), who plays somewhat of the ringleader of the new heist crew here. She’s easy to look at and has charisma. You can’t help but pay attention when she’s on screen. I’ll be looking forward to seeing her in films to come.
Overall, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” was fine and I liked it. It just didn’t have the same wow factor on me as the first one. I’m not sure it’s worth the on-demand rental right now, and would probably wait for it to hit one or more streaming services.
“I fucking hate suits. Nothing good ever happens in a suit.” – Big Nick
Check out all of our 2025 Oscars content:
- “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” (2025) Review: New Release to On-Demand Streaming
- “Sing Sing” (2024) Review: Three-Time Oscar Nominee Hits Home Streaming
- 2025 Oscars Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
- “A Different Man” (2024) Review: Makeup/Hairstyling Oscar Nominee
- “The Wild Robot” (2024) Review: Animation at it’s Finest
- “The Apprentice” (2024) Review: Two Oscar-Worthy Performances
- “Anora” (2024) Review: Oscar Nominations on the Horizon
- “Nosferatu” (2024) Review: Robert Eggers Makes an Oscar Push
- “A Real Pain” (2024) Review: Kieran Culkin’s Case For An Oscar
- “Emilia Perez” (2024) Review: The Worst Oscar Contender?
- “Gladiator II” Movie Review: Rating Ridley Scott’s Return to Rome
- “Nosferatu” (2024) Review: Dark, Chilling & Weirdly Horny
- “Wicked” (2024) Review: Defying Gravity & Expectations
- Video: Early 2025 Oscar Picks & Predictions
- Video: 2025 Oscars Betting Odds: Dune Part Two for Best Visual Effects?
Thanks for reading my “Den of Thieves 2” (2024) Oscars movie review! Don’t forget to follow me on “Letterboxd,” the movie lovers’ social media platform to review films, create lists, save a watch list and communicate with other movie lovers.
You can also find me on Twitter/X @snag1025 for more entertainment content and reviews!
