Based loosely on a true story, HIT MAN follows Gary Johnson, played by the oh-so charismatic Glen Powell. Gary is a college professor by day and moonlights as a tech guy in a van helping sting operations for the local police department. When the undercover agent is suspended by going viral for beating up on some kids, Gary reluctantly steps in as the new undercover guy. His mission is simple: convince the target to confess to hiring him as a hitman to murder someone. Gary takes his role to the next level as he builds entire characters with costumes and new personas. He is quite good at it, but he finds himself in dangerous territory when he falls in love with one of his targets while impersonating someone way cooler than himself.
HIT MAN is just so much fun! A bit edgy and dark with an incredible premise, the film is also refreshingly joyful and silly. Plus, it has a few unexpected moments along with three different acts that really shift the tone of the movie, yet is completely natural in its progression. Surprisingly original and funny, HIT MAN is rated R and under two-hours, a great date night watch.
Director Richard Linklater co-wrote the adapted screenplay along with Powell. The two seem to have found a nice groove as this is their fourth collaboration (APOLLO 10 ½, EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!!, and FAST FOOD). I’ve always been a huge fan of Linklater. The BEFORE TRILOGY is a masterpiece and personal all-time favorite of mine. BOYHOOD is an incredible achievement. And DAZED AND CONFUSED has proven to be a classic. Linklater is one of the best and HIT MAN is another entertaining piece of work that fits nicely in the director’s impressive catalog.
Glen Powell has been popping up in movies for a while with scene-stealing, energetic performances. It’s nice to have a vehicle that highlights his talents and lets him be the star. Every character he becomes is strange and enjoyable. Clearly, he is having a lot of fun in the role and conversations should be interesting as to who everyone’s favorite personality will be. My personal choice is the homage to AMERICAN PSYCHO. It helps to be surrounded by a fantastic supporting cast and Adria Arjona brings the heat as the forbidden love interest.
To put it plainly, HIT MAN is a blast that is easily recommendable. It’s light, fun, clever, and has an electric chemistry between the two stars, a phenomenal supporting cast, with a great screenplay and phenomenal director. Streaming on Netflix, HIT MAN is a no-brainer win.
