It was with slight trepidation that I saw this film, not being so impressed with Mr. Cage’s latest outings, for example the dismal Ghost Rider. But Cage’s forte has always been action movies, from The Rock, Con Air and the National Treasure series, so I had high hopes. I love hit man movies as well, they are usually smart and I enjoy the rituals and drama that each uniquely present. I am glad to say that my fears were unfounded and this movie was a treat in many aspects.
Although the film looks like and action flick, there is far more time spent on character dilemma and the situations that ensue when one doubts themselves. Cage’s acting has not improved and is still the same deliberately cold and silent man that always is, though it does seem that he turned it up a notch here for the sake of ‘Joe’, his character, but here it really does fit and fit well.
The supporting cast was all native Thai and there were some excellent moments, which I will not divulge and spoil for everyone who will see the film. The city of Bangkok is alive and is thankfully not overexposed in the film, although in some ways it is a character, the usual stylizing of an Urban Asian environment is not present. The scope of the film stays narrow and it serves the story well since ‘Joe’ does not take time to see the sights and enjoy his often locales, it is strictly business.
There are certain patterns that emerge that one can see coming for sometime, but none of these get in the way of the story and none are grasping for something that is not there, it all neatly fits into the sleek and thankfully only slightly stylized film. If you are a fan of action movies or Mr. Cage, be sure to see this one, I was pleasantly surprised and would see this one again given the opportunity. The critics hate all films like this, but in this case I am quite sure that they were mistaken, take my word on it.
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