A CIA assassin codenamed 'Six' (Ryan Gosling) becomes the subject of a global manhunt when his latest target hands him an item containing information that's rather compromising for certain agency officials. In order to retrieve the item said officials offer Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans) - a former operative and all around deranged lunatic - unlimited means to hunt Six down.
The Russo brothers have delivered all-out action insanity with The Gray Man. Ryan Gosling and Ana de Armas at their arse-kicking best. Chris Evans as the moustache twirling villain (you know he's evil because he wears shoes with no socks!). Jessica Henwick and Billy Bob Thornton in supporting roles and pretty much non-stop carnage across half the globe. Moreover, the movie is unapologetic in its delivery of action scene after action scene without explanation or the opportunity to catch breath. This is Saturday night action movie viewing at its finest... or at least it should be.
For some reason The Gray Man just isn't as engaging as you expect it to be. Which is an odd thing to say about a movie with a cast like this, and one written and directed by some of those responsible for taking the MCU to its highest heights. Although if one thing is for certain, it's definitely not the action that's the problem! Every fight, shootout and explosion is brilliantly choreographed, beautifully shot, and involves pretty much every form of transport known to man, bar space travel - probably saving that for the sequel. Fair to say, The Gray Man takes the phrase 'balls to the wall' to a whole new level, and while doing it it even manages to be funny.
But while our heroes dodge bullets and explosions in style, the story is rather lacking. At times this leaves you feeling rather uncaring as an army of hit teams descend upon Six and fellow agent Dani (Ana de Armas). There's no denying the excitement that comes with such destruction and mayhem, but it does make it rather difficult to become invested in their struggle. A lacklustre villain doesn't help either. Despite Regé-Jean Page's best efforts, the big bad is merely that. There's nothing scary or sinister about him, making him far from interesting. Henwick and Thornton are also left with little to do. All of which means if the movie does ever grab you, it quickly loses its grip.
The movie's biggest selling point, therefore, is its star-studded trio. Ryan Gosling is great as our hero assassin. Even when playing the action hero he's still able to bring some humanity to him. While Ana de Armas is commanding as the agent who's almost as interested in saving her career as she is taking down the bad guy. It's amusing watching her try to keep Six under control. But the real laughs come from the evil Mr Hansen. Chris Evans is revelling in playing bad guys in the post-Captain America phase of his career, and it's a pleasure watching him do it. Here especially, as the villain who is everything his opponent isn't. We should hate Lloyd, but thanks to the way Evans falls into the role with gleeful abandon - not to mention his bonkers plans and hysterical bickerings with everyone - he is a delight to watch. In fact, I can't help wondering if this movie would have been better if it was about him... and his moustache.
Some incredible action scenes and a delightfully evil Chris Evans really are fun, but a lacking story means The Gray Man doesn't grab you like it should.
6/10
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