It’s full confession time.

I remember going to a theater to see “Den of Thieves” when it was released in 2018, but really can’t recall much about the movie aside from its two leads and that there was one well crafted action sequence.

As forgettable as the original film was, this follow-up titled “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” may wind up having even less of an impact on my cinematic memory — This sequel is a pretty standard thriller that has nice scenery and another solid set piece in the final act, but never finds another gear to make it more than another forgettable action flick.

The film begins with Donnie Wilson (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), the man responsible for the bank heist in the original film, now leading a crew that steals a rare diamond from a heavily guarded plane.

The heist draws the attention of L.A. detective Nick O’ Brien (Gerard Butler), who was unable to apprehend Donnie in the first film. Nick heads to Europe to find Donnie and learns that Donnie has bigger plans — a heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.

In one of the film’s more contrived twists, Nick finds Donnie but informs him he is not there to take him in. Nick wants to join Donnie’s crew and earn his way into a share of whatever the crew takes.

From there “Den” builds to the heist — which director Christian Gudegast (who returns as both writer and director) manages to stage quite well. The problem is the pacing kind of drags before we get there — with Gudegast really distracted with multiple wide shots of the French coastline. Yes the scenery is beautiful, but there is also a story to tell — one that keeps sputtering before finally finding its footing way too late.

Butler and Jackson are fine in their respective roles, although both actors deserve a little more depth in their characters. It is clear there is mutual respect here, but the bonding feels forced when it didn’t have to be. If only Gudegast would have trusted the chemistry of his two leads to make the relationship feel more natural.

There is also some intriguing work from Eevin Ahmad as one of Donnie’s colleagues who becomes a potential love interest for Nick. Ahmad has such a commanding screen presence I wish her character would have been developed more rather than just a throwaway bit part similar to the rest of the supporting cast.

Ultimately your tolerance for “Pantera” will come down to one simple test. If you are fan of the original, and can actually remember watching it, then this sequel should suffice. For the rest of us, don’t worry you will probably forget about it by the time the calendar flips to February.

If You Go
“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera”
Starring: Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr.
Directed by: Christian Gudecast
Rating: R for pervasive language, some violence, drug use and sexual references.
Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow)
Grade: C