Its a movie about bank heist but it is no ordinary heist--and it is not just guns and fists...and frothy testosterone. The real testosterone is effectively bought out by decisions that people make inside and outside when everything is on line. It is these decisions that keep you glued. Mentally and conceptually. ....it is the dialogues that sets the situation...whether it is past crime, current crime, or future action. Great acting, impressive cast sells it--you don't need special effects to make an immersive movie. Even hostages behave smartly but not too smartly--like real people, and the tension is maintained till the last min. You never know which way the movie will lean. This is something Spanish thrillers have perfected. Hollywood will not make such a movie but should....you can only ride for so long on the comic books and invincible heroes.
As others have pointed out it is not perfect, it has gaps, sometimes big holes, but the world that is created by the director (right down to the atmosphere both inside and outside) makes it come together in an entertaining manner and the twists play out in a methodical manner.
As others have pointed out it is not perfect, it has gaps, sometimes big holes, but the world that is created by the director (right down to the atmosphere both inside and outside) makes it come together in an entertaining manner and the twists play out in a methodical manner.