Richard Linklater’s new film Hit Man, starring Glen Powell, is one to watch in 2024. Rather than featuring a typical hit man, it centers on Gary Johnson, a character who portrays a hit man, deftly exploring themes of illusion and transformation.
A Blend of Comedy and Romance
Hit Man isn’t just about deception and undercover operations; it weaves those themes into a romantic comedy. The film moves into comfortable romcom territory once Gary, played by Powell, falls for one of his own suspects, Madison (Adria Arjona). Her intense relationship with Gary fuses humor with genuine emotional stakes, making for an engaging middle act.
Madison’s complex character adds layers to the narrative, and her connection with Gary enriches the evolving plot.
A Performance that Shines
Glen Powell co-wrote and produced Hit Man. His portrayal of Gary Johnson, a nebbish New Orleans psychology lecturer who moonlights as a fake hit man for the NOPD, is both entertaining and nuanced. With his nerdy demeanor transforming into various hit-man personas, Powell captures attention through his versatility and depth.
The performance is underscored by moments like when Gary operates wire taps for undercover jobs—Gary’s transformation from sap to stud via some deft role play
brilliantly showcases his adaptability. These sequences display Powell’s unique take on the duality of Gary’s identity.
The Real Essence
Linklater uses the true story of Gary Johnson as a jumping-off point—Here Powell and Linklater use the real story of one Gary Johnson as a playful jumping-off point in a tale that starts out as someone needing a second job.
By adapting the action to present-day New Orleans, Linklater infuses the plot with contemporary relevance while maintaining historical roots. This serves as an anchor for Gary’s character arc from ordinary professor to confident imposter.
A Worthwhile Watch
Packed with sharp dialogue and clever undercurrents of character transformation, Hit Man stands out not only for its thematic depth but also for its winning charm. With his bird-watching hobby, cats, and comfort shoes, Gary tutors his class in the concept of self – a neat throughline that plays out alongside his metamorphosis from sap to stud via some deft role play.
Whether you’re drawn to its comedic elements or the romance intertwined with suspenseful stings, this film offers something for everyone. It’s this balanced blend that makes Hit Man one of Netflix’s standout movies of 2024—rich in entertainment while thought-provokingly profound.
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