Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution ( see People v Contes, 60 NY2d 620), we find that it was legally sufficient to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant threatened the immediate use of a dangerous instrument while robbing McCabe (see Penal Law § 160.15; People v Urena, 46 AD3d 714; People v Boisseau, 33 AD3d 568; People v Thompson, 273 AD2d 153; People v Stevens, 237 AD2d 207, 208). In fulfilling our responsibility to conduct an independent review of the weight of the evidence (see CPL 470.15; People v Danielson, 9 NY3d 342), we nevertheless accord great deference to the jury's opportunity to view the witnesses, hear the testimony, and observe demeanor ( see People v Mateo, 2 NY3d 383, 410, cert denied 542 US 946; People v Bleakley, 69 NY2d 490, 495).