Inside Man is an out-and-out movie hit

In “The Inside Man,” the characters played by Clive Owen, Denzel Washington and Jodie Foster pursue conflicting agendas. The thief is intelligent, the detective is capable, and the mediator for the rich and powerful changes the game between cops and robbers.

This tale of a bank heist is the equivalent of “The Thomas Crown Affair” and “Heat.”

“Pay strict attention to what I say,” Dalton Russell (Owen) tells the audience. What you will see, he explains, is the perfect bank robbery.

Thus begins the action, as Russell and his crew take control of the bank. Detective Frazier (Washington) is called in as hostage negotiator. Under investigation for missing funds, Frazier is on automatic pilot as he takes over the police mobile-command post stationed outside the bank. He goes through the motions of doing his work, but not the emotions ? not even the thrill of the chase. Frazier’s been on the job so long he’s seen it all, but that’s about to change.

The bank’s owner, Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer) becomes alarmed about the robbery. There is something locked inside the bank that must stay that way. He hires Madeline White (Foster) to keep his secret safe.

White offers Russell and Frazier a profitable compromise ? if they settle it her way. Otherwise the game will end in ruined careers and much worse. White’s wealth, cunning and connections make her capable of following through on her promises.

Director Spike Lee (“Do The Right Thing,” “Malcom X”) made an excellent choice of using Oscar-winning actors in a character-driven story that might otherwise have been a typical action flick. That’s why the film works. Foster plays White with such cruel composure she is both envied and dreaded. Owen’s debonair persona makes his choice of careers seem attractive when it should not be.

Washington has played similar characters whose integrity is questionable and who fail to live up to their potential. He has learned what works and what does not, and incorporates those lessons well in the character of Frazier. . For that reason, the movie belongs to Washington.

“The Inside Man” is a must-see movie, both at the theaters and again when it comes out on DVD.hbi.Peggy-Rogers-reel-APhotoInfoNC1PDGJD20060330h0g0znke(LA)hbi.30-reel-CPhotoInfoNC1PDI3M20060330iwv60fkn(LA)Denzel Washington and Jodie Foster pursue conflicting agendas in ‘The Inside Man.’