Thursday, July 28, 2022

'The Gray Man' A Review

The Gray Man is an action/thriller based on the novel of the same name. Six(Ryan Gosling) is a CIA block ops agent who uncovers criminal activity from the new department head, Denny, and goes on the run. Denny(Regé-Jean Page) calls in psychotic contractor Llyod(Chris Evans) to hunt Six down.

Gosling hasn't lost a step charm wise or in his physical presence, it's a great part for him, he's both stoic and funny, able to deliver some thrilling action as well as some genuine emotion. He leads the film effortlessly, it's a reminder that he's a Star and deservedly so. Evans goes bigger, more broad, as the heavy, an opportunity he clearly relishes(and excels in). He brings a non-stop frenetic energy to this truly disgusting, odd, idiosyncratic villain. It's wonderful. The supporting cast is stacked and for the most part they all get a scene or two to shine- the incomparable Alfre Woodard, Billy Bob Thorton, Jessica Henwick, Dhanush- Gosling's support is Ana de Armas who continues her, just, rise.

An addicting, building, pace with action set piece after action set piece building to a thrilling(if somewhat on-the-nose) crescendo. It's got it all- gun fights, car chases, escapes, jet-setting- it seems clear that this is Netflix's attempt at a James Bond like franchise and quite frankly it is fresher and more enjoyable than those movies have been for quite a while. Some CGI sequences are sloppy and something is absolutely lost not seeing to see a movie of this scale and type on the big screen. But there's something really fun and engaging about this unapologetic, pedal-to-the-metal, 90's action throwback. 

Simple, effective, abundant entertainment.

Currently streaming on Netflix.

See It.

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