“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” is a welcome return to gritty, high-stakes heist action as we follow the hard-living cop Big Nick (Gerard Butler) and the crafty thief Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr.). The sequel picks up with Donnie pulling off a daring diamond heist in Antwerp as part of The Panthers—a skilled group of mostly Slavic thieves—while Big Nick is down on his luck in family court. The film charms with its serious tone and throws its flawed protagonists into a new heist plot that is neither too simple nor overly convoluted, maintaining interest over a two-hour runtime.

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. excel as the rough-around-the-edges heroes, and while the supporting cast doesn’t quite reach the memorable heights of the original’s ensemble, the film smartly narrows its narrative focus. The film shines in its confident execution of heist sequences, utilizing effective visual techniques to elevate the experience. While not a flawless genre exercise, its ambition and entertaining execution make it more than just January filler.

Overall, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” packs enough punch to satisfy both fans of its predecessor and newcomers, receiving a solid 7/10.