Hit Man: A Thrilling Neo-Noir Comedy
Glen Powell stars as Gary Johnson, a philosophy teacher turned undercover hit man.
In the latest film from prolific director Richard Linklater, Glen Powell shines as Gary Johnson, a philosophy teacher who moonlights as an undercover hit man. Hit Man, a neo-noir comedy inspired by a true story, follows Gary as he takes on a new persona, Ron, to pose as a hit man and catch murder-for-hire suspects.
Gary’s life is unremarkable, teaching philosophy and psychology classes at a local university, until he’s asked to fill in for an undercover cop, Jasper. With his quick wit and charm, Gary takes to the role like a fish to water, posing as different assassins with varying personas and appearances.
Austin Amelio plays Jasper, the undercover cop who usually poses as a hit man.
As Gary delves deeper into his new role, he meets Adria Arjona’s Maddy Masters, who wants Gary, posing as Ron, to off her dangerous and controlling husband, Ray. Gary’s decision to encourage Maddy to leave her husband and start a new life sets off a chain of events that complicates his life.
A Winning Film from Linklater
Hit Man is a highly entertaining film, thanks to Powell’s steady performance as Gary/Ron. The film’s predictable path is engaging, with steamy scenes between Ron and Maddy adding to the excitement.
Richard Linklater, the prolific director behind Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise, and Boyhood, brings his unique touch to Hit Man.
While the film touches on the idea of entrapment, it doesn’t explore it fully, leaving room for a deeper exploration of the theme. Nevertheless, Hit Man is another winning film from Linklater, with a lesson that we should all try to infuse a bit of Ron into our inner Gary.
Rated R for language, sexual content, and some violence. Runtime: 1 hour, 55 minutes.
