Hit Man: a 'sizzling romance' and 'tense action flick' rolled into one
Richard Linklater's latest film is 'richly enjoyable'
Richard Linklater is known for films "that play with the passage of time", such as his award-winning "Boyhood", which was shot over more than a decade, said Robbie Collin in The Daily Telegraph. "But he also does a nice line in comedies about local eccentrics", such as "School of Rock"; and "Hit Man" fits "neatly into this second group".
Based (loosely) on a true story, it stars Glen Powell as Gary, a mild- mannered psychology lecturer from New Orleans who has a second job as an investigator, gathering evidence for the police against embittered lovers plotting to have their partners killed. "His MO is to pose as a professional assassin – a man-in-black type he gives the name 'Ron'." He then catches would-be clients "ordering the hit". Gary gets in a pickle, however, when he falls for Madison (Adria Arjona), a beautiful divorcée who wants to rid herself of a toxic ex.
The film "trips along on great writing" and Linklater's "witty, light-touch direction", but what makes it "especially pleasurable is Powell and Arjona's naturally steamy rapport. Here is a screen couple who look like they really do want to take each other to bed." It's easy to root for them and to pardon their "mounting misdeeds".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Co-written by Powell and Linklater, Hit Man is "a sizzling romance, a hilarious dark comedy and a tense action flick all rolled into one, with a light sprinkle of philosophy on top", said Larushka Ivan-Zadeh in the Daily Mail. "If you don't find this one in cinemas, be sure to catch it on Netflix come 7 June." There are plenty of tiresome films about assassins out there, and "the heart might sink" at the thought of yet another, said Danny Leigh in the FT. "But wait!" This is a "richly enjoyable" charmer that carries off a "clash of tones that would capsize most films".
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - October 23, 2024
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - loving thy neighbour, an HR matter, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Giuliani must hand assets to women he defamed
Speed Read The former New York City mayor must turn over his apartment and other possessions
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Abercrombie ex-CEO charged with sex crimes
Speed Read Mike Jeffries ran the brand during its heyday from 1992 to 2014
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Undercover: Exposing the Far Right – 'nail-biting' film unfolds like a 'spy thriller'
The Week Recommends Havana Marking's 'unsettling' new documentary is 'chilling to contemplate'
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
6 captivating homes in the Scandinavian style
Feature Featuring a skylit living room in Colorado and a suspended fireplace in New York
By The Week Staff Published
-
Trevor Noah's 7 favorite works that explore life's challenges
Feature The former host of The Daily Show recommends works by Miranda July, Percival Everett, and more
By The Week US Published
-
A blowout trip to Dubai without blowing the bank
The Week Recommends Yes, you can get by on little money in the land of excess
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The insides and outsides of Helsinki's energetic art scene
The Week Recommends Finland's capital has an admirable mix of street art and museums
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The best ski resorts for a winter escape
The Week Recommends From the Dolomites to the Pyrenees, these are Europe's top ski destinations
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Mulled white wine: a 'quirky' Christmas hit?
The Week Recommends Retailers are hoping to tempt shoppers with a 'lighter' version of the classic festive tipple
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Salem's Lot: Stephen King adaptation is 'half-baked' thriller
Talking Point The latest adaptation of this 1975 novel has left many critics feeling underwhelmed
By The Week UK Published