64. Den Of Thieves; movie review

DEN OF THIEVES
Cert 15
140 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language, violence, threat

My cinematic nemesis has long been Gerard Butler. To me, his name is synonymous with big-budget hero movies which make no sense.
Therefore, I was partially relieved that he plays a down-and-dirty detective in Christian Gudegast's Den Of Thieves.
That's not to say that this is good - it is a plot hole-ridden pile of nonsense but at least it is a slight variant to add to Butler's CV.
Gudegast's film starts intriguingly enough with the bloody heist of what turns out to be an empty security van by a team of clinical robbers.
However, it takes a downturn when Butler's lead investigator, Big Nick, arrives with a hangover.
Yes, apparently in America there are still cops who arrive at work drunk or semi-drunk, abuse their superiors and are let loose with guns.
I thought the sort of officer being portrayed by Butler died out 30 years ago (or probably never existed).
Anyway, despite his drink problem and wretched bullying home life, he seems to have an unwavering trigger finger and develops an uncanny ability to work out the moves of the bad guys.
The latter are led by Pablo Schreiber who plays a ruthless bank robber who has recently been let out of jail.
He is planning the heist to end all heists in cahoots with his former army pal (50 Cent) and a local barman (O'Shea Jackson Jr.).
Initially, the sizzled cop is outwitted by the smart and determined criminals but, from nowhere, he suddenly gathers intelligence which was hitherto submerged in drink and rises to the challenge.
And in doing so, he ignores all protocol and threatens the life of many an innocent citizen with his all-guns blazing style.
No wonder his wife doesn't want to live with him any more.
For all of its weaknesses - and there are many - there will be legions of Butler fans who will be swooning over Den Of Thieves.
It is better than Geostorm, I'll give them that.

Reasons to watch: the swarthiness of Gerard Butler
Reasons to avoid: it is 30 years since Lethal Weapon

Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 5/10

Director's quote - Christian Gudegast: "The reason he (Butler) wanted to play the role is because so much of him is Big Nick. He's from Scotland, he's a big dude, he's a tough guy and this brought all of that in him."

The big question - Will Gerard Butler ever challenge himself on the acting front?

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