What’s It About
Inspired by the unbelievable true story, a strait-laced professor (Glen Powell) uncovers his hidden talent as a fake hit man in undercover police stings. He meets his match in a client (Adria Arjona) who steals his heart and ignites a powder keg of deception, delight, and mixed-up identities.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
“Hit Man” is one of the most forgettable and sleep-inducing movies I’ve watched in a while. How and why someone would want to mess up such a fantastic concept is beyond me. The movie starts with a Nietzsche quote: “The secret to harvesting from existence is the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment, which is to live dangerously! Build your cities on the slopes of Vesuvius! Send your ships into uncharted seas! Live at war with your peers and yourselves!” Professor Gary Johnston recites this during a university philosophy lecture. The movie is intended to be a thrilling and funny action film, but instead, it clumsily delves into the idea that a meek individual living in the shadows of others can discard one identity and take on another, becoming a criminal without facing any consequences. Gary, ridiculed by his university students at the University of New Orleans, is depicted as a nerdy man with wire-rimmed glasses, a nasal voice, and a fondness for birdwatching. He also works as a surveillance technician for the New Orleans police department. When undercover officer Jasper is suspended, Gary takes on a sting operation, assuming the role of a contract killer to apprehend criminals. Gary’s transformation into a hitman entails embracing various personas, including a sleazy Eurotrash character and a captivatingly seductive persona named Ron, who seduces Madison, an abused spouse looking to hire a killer. This romantic affair steers the film in a more offbeat direction, with Gary navigating a passionate romance while deceiving his employers and Madison. The movie presents Gary’s capacity to embody new characters as a sleight of hand, demonstrating how adept actors can effortlessly take on roles. However, the movie stumbles as it progresses, mainly when Gary falls in love with Madison. The chemistry between Glen Powell and Adria Arjona seems unconvincing, and the movie’s focus on roleplaying over genuine emotion diminishes its impact, making it less effective or alluring. The movie attempts to trivialize serious themes such as murder and ethics, but the sanitized cuteness dilutes its potential message. Powell’s performance stands out, showcasing a variety of assassin personas that are enjoyable to witness. Nevertheless, as the movie advances, his character’s duality and chameleonic range become less pronounced. The movie’s effort to introduce danger and excitement falls short. Gary appears too composed and capable, making the stakes feel minimal. While the movie has its moments, it ultimately resembles a theme park ride with no actual peaks or valleys, leaving the audience to wonder, “Is that all there is?”
OUR RATING – A DOUBLE NO 3.5