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Director Richard Linklater reteams with “Everybody Wants Some!!” actor Glen Powell for the first rate Netflix comedy “Hit Man.” As a huge Linklater fan, this movie was right up my alley and I will be singing its praises in this post. CinemAddicts co-host Bruce Purkey, however, was not too thrilled with the feature. Check out our “Hit Man” discussion below!
“Hit Man” centers on Gary Johnson (Glen Powell), a college professor who moonlights as a hit man for the local police department. Johnson is a bit geeky, but becoming a pretend hit man brings him out of his shell. The picture is inspired by the true story of Johnson as chronicled in a 2001 Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth.
A section of the narrative explores the different personas Gary takes on to meet (and apprehend) different people who have murder on their minds. When Madison Masters (Adria Arjona) pleads Gary to kill her abusive husband (Evan Holtzman), he convinces her to actually leave him.
Keeping Madison from a criminal path may have been a Good Samaritan move, but it is also unprofessional. Gary’s good deed leads into a series of complications. Gary’s biggest sin and possible downfall was to get involved with Madison, and their steamy affair leads to a very explosive outcome.
Linklater, who co-wrote the script with Powell, directs “Hit Man” with a sure and unfussied hand. Powell and Arjona have undeniable chemistry, and they have free reign in their respective characters. Even when things get absolutely crazy and altogether tragic, there is still comedy to be had. This tone absolutely won me over, and the final act may divide viewers.
Austin Amelio, who also starred in “Everybody Wants Some!!,” co-stars as Jasper, a detective who may be on Gary’s trail. The other officers who work with Gary are played by Retta and Sanjay Rao.
CinemAddicts co-host Bruce Purkey didn’t enjoy watching Gary, claiming one of his personas reminded him of a cocksure Tom Cruise. Purkey is not a Cruise fan, so he was definitely not in the bag for “Hit Man.” He did praise Arjona’s performance, and we both agree that she is a bonafide star.
Check out our Hit Man review on YouTube or via CinemAddicts:
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