Film critics and the entire realm of social media has almost made public conversations regarding new movies a hostile environment. Now, it’s as though a movie must be ‘good’ or ‘awful’ with no wiggle room whatsoever. This is becoming more of a problem, and it’s one that should be addressed before it gets worse. The latest example being that of The Gray Man. The Russo brothers’ new Netflix action movie is the talk of the town, but with people either loving it or hating it. Anyone who believes it is fine, harmless fun, or just ok, is immediately shot down.
The Gray Man stars Ryan Gosling as Sierra Six. He’s a CIA asset who is recruited by the agency from prison
Well for the record, The Gray Man isn’t an action drama that is going to redefine cinema but that’s hardly the idea. It shouldn’t even have to be just to be given a fair shake. The Gray Man stars Ryan Gosling as Sierra Six. He’s a CIA asset who is recruited by the agency from prison, his sentence commuted on the assurance that he will execute any target the CIA requires. A second chance of sorts, though not one he’d have chosen on his own. His already abnormal world is turned upside down when he discovers that those he works for are not so clean, hence his decision to go rogue to get to the bottom of things. As a result, he becomes the target.
There’s good, and there’s bad, but there’s no ugly. The actors are all good, but the acting itself does not drive the plot. It apparently isn’t designed to either. The directing is fine, and the cinematography is super, but neither of these things elevate the movie beyond being average. It’s the writing that is in short supply in terms of quality, as the characters are not fully fleshed out and some exchanges between characters are downright laughable when they shouldn’t be. The biggest issue is that most of the talent is under-utilized. Like Ryan Gosling. Gosling is, in a manner of speaking, better than a movie like this. His caliber as a performer is elite, and yet he’s placed inside of a world that doesn’t allow him to develop for the audience. The same applies to Billy Bob Thorton and Ana de Armas, though perhaps not for Chris Evans. Evans actually makes things interesting with his psychologically unstable portrayal of Lloyd Hansen. It’s also possible that all of the above simply did this for the check, and let’s face it, in this current economy who can really blame them?
All in all even with its minor faults, The Gray Man is ‘ok’ as an action movie. It needs to be ALLOWED to be ok. People, especially critics, often forget that everyone involved in movie making are trying to make a living. They are paid for the attempt, not for the guarantee that everything they do will be iconic. Should everyone be allowed their opinion? Yes. Should said opinions be more constructive instead of destructive though? Probably. In summary – If any who are reading this have yet to see it, just give it a chance.
