Richard Linklater’s Hit Man is a thoroughly entertaining comedy thriller that brings his distinctive sunny geniality to the forefront. Known for more demanding films like Boyhood and the Before series, Linklater’s approach here is lighthearted and fun, reminiscent of the Coen brothers’ quirky style. This Hit Man movie review highlights how Linklater blends humor and suspense in a refreshing departure from his usual fare.
Inspired by a True Story
The movie is loosely inspired by the true story of Gary Johnson, an undercover cop in Houston who posed as a hitman to catch people conspiring to commit murder. Linklater and co-writer Glen Powell move the action to New Orleans, where our protagonist, Gary, is reimagined as a mild-mannered liberal arts professor and birdwatcher who moonlights as a tech whiz volunteering for the police.
When the police’s usual undercover hitman, Jasper (played by Austin Amelio), gets suspended, Gary is reluctantly roped into the role. Despite his nerdy demeanor and philosophical musings, Gary turns out to be surprisingly good at pretending to be a tough-guy assassin, much to the amazement of his colleagues.
Glen Powell stars as a mild-mannered professor who pretends to be a contract killer to ensnare would-be criminals in this entertaining noir comedy, loosely inspired by true events.
Unexpected Comedy Gold
Glen Powell delivers a charming performance as Gary, making the character’s transition from academic to faux hitman both believable and hilarious. His colleagues, played by a stellar supporting cast including Retta from Parks and Recreation, provide plenty of comedic moments as they react to Gary’s unexpected talent. One cop humorously refers to him as “Daniel Day” in a nod to Daniel Day-Lewis’s method acting, while another dubs him the “Caucasian Idris.”
The plot thickens when Gary meets Madison (Adria Arjona), a beautiful woman desperate to escape her abusive husband. As Gary finds himself falling for Madison, his carefully constructed facade starts to unravel, leading to a series of increasingly absurd and dangerous situations.
Hit Man Movie Trailer
Amid the comedy and chaos, Hit Man also explores deeper philosophical questions. Gary’s lectures on the nature of the self and identity mirror his own experiences as he grapples with his dual life. The movie cleverly uses this theme to highlight the artificiality of the hitman persona, drawing a parallel to the fictional nature of such characters in movies.
Hit Man deftly balances its comedic elements with moments of genuine tension. While the film occasionally struggles to integrate off-screen violence with its overall lighthearted tone, it remains an engaging and enjoyable watch. The film’s playful approach to role-play and identity keeps it fresh and entertaining, even as it flirts with more serious themes.
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In the end, Hit Man is a delightful blend of comedy and thriller that showcases Richard Linklater’s versatility as a filmmaker. Glen Powell’s endearing performance, combined with the film’s witty script and intriguing premise, makes it a must-watch. This movie is sure to be a hit with audiences looking for a fun and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
The Review
Hit Man
Hit Man delivers a comedic punch with Richard Linklater's signature charm. Glen Powell's portrayal of a reluctant faux hitman adds depth to this quirky thriller. With witty dialogue and unexpected twists, it's a thoroughly entertaining ride from start to finish.
PROS
- Charming and humorous portrayal by Glen Powell.
- Witty script keeps the audience entertained.
- Explores deeper philosophical questions.
CONS
- Some scenes feel disjointed.
- Premise may stretch believability.
- Supporting characters lack depth.
