Richard Linklater’s Hit Man integrates a quirky blend of genres, but it doesn’t entirely succeed in forming an entertaining narrative. Starring Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, a professor who assumes the alias Ron, a fake hitman, to expose murder-for-hire schemes, the film starts with a promising premise yet fails to deliver consistent engagement.
An unusual transformation
Gary is actually Ron
, an undercover agent impersonating a hitman, using his quick wit and charm rather than brute force. The character’s core is well captured by Powell, showcasing his versatility since his breakout in Top Gun: Maverick. However, the script seems to lean heavily on his transformation without balancing the comedic and thriller aspects smoothly.
A tonal imbalance
The movie’s attempt at blending screwball comedy with film noir and action thriller often blurs its intended impact. While Linklater’s direction shines in capturing the idiosyncrasies of human connection, the shift between humor and suspense feels disjointed. This uneven tone detracts from the overall viewing experience.
A lackluster dynamic
The chemistry between Gary and Madison (Adria Arjona) adds some intrigue. However, the transition from their initial meeting to Madison believing Gary is Ron, the hitman, lacks depth. As described, Nick Linklater’s gift for depicting swirling emotions
does not fully manifest here. There’s an element of suspense in their relationship progression, but it’s overshadowed by inconsistent pacing.
The verdict
Hit Man‘s ambitious genre-mixing does provide some entertainment but falls short of maintaining high engagement throughout its runtime. It’s a quirky blend that might appeal to fans of Linklater’s style yet may leave others craving more coherence and excitement.
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