Not everything meets the eye in the new movie, “Inside Man” starring Denzel Washington and Jodie Foster. The characters never lie, in fact, Clive Owen who plays the “bad guy” Dalton Russell tells the complete truth in his narrative.

And for you seniors… yes, there is a Hamlet quote which Russell says, “according to the Bard, ‘therein lies the rub.’” The term “the bard” means a poet or lyricist, however the most common reference is to Shakespeare.

The basic premise of the movie is a finely directed bank robbery takes place in which approximately 50 hostages are being held at gunpoint. We soon discover that the bank robbers seem to be looking for something else beyond the stacks of cash in the vault.

Director Spike Lee lets the plot eek out slowly. He leaves the audience guessing and second guessing the motives of the characters.

Washington’s character, Detective Keith Frazier, at first, seems like one of those cops who are always willing to take the easy way out. His first case as a detective seems to have gone awry as he is being investigated for some missing money.

As the plot unfolds, the detective puts cursory work into the hostage situation that he is supposedly monitoring. As the movie progresses, he becomes infinitely more astute and competent at his job. By the end of the movie, the detective is perceptive, insightful and extremely competent – either this was a substantial growth of a character or Frazier finally figures out that he may have a knack for the job.

Foster portrays an odd character of Madeline White whose job is purposely vague. She is a “gets things” or “gets things done” person. Her cool manner and efficiency leave the audience with the feeling of evil-done-really-well.

Christopher Plummer, an actor best known for his portrayal as the kindly Capitan George von Trapp from “Sound of Music,” plays the owner of the bank – the victim of the bank robbery. But not everything meets the eye.

The movie flashes forward and backward which may confuse the viewer who isn’t paying as close attention as they should.

The interrogation scenes, filmed in sepia tones, are quirky and sometimes humorous. Word of advice: pay attention to the people who Frazier is interrogating.

Willem Defoe, who usually dominates the films he is in, whether a large or small part, plays a flat dreary character. It made the audience wonder why he would take such a part.

All in all, “Inside Man” was an interesting movie. It’s definitely a movie that the moviegoer needs to think through. Although it’s labeled as a thriller, there aren’t a lot of “thrills.” However, if you enjoy intriguing characters, a suspenseful plot, and a movie that doesn’t lay all of its cards out on the table at once, then this is a definite must see.