THE GUNMAN (2015)

Directed By: Pierre Morel 
Written By: Sean Penn, Pete Travis & Don McPherson 
Based on the Novel By: Jean-Patrick Machette 
Cinematography By: Flavio Martinez Labiano 
Editor: Frederic Thoraval 

Cast: Sean Penn, Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Mark Rylance, Ray Winstone, Jasmine Trinca, Peter Franzen 

A sniper on a mercenary assassination team, kills the minister of mines of the Congo. Terrier's successful kill shot forces him into hiding. Returning to the Congo years later, he becomes the target of a hit squad himself.


This seems like Sean Penn trying to be like Liam Neeson. Where after having a career doing more dramas here late in his career and in shape deciding to do an action movie. Only here more involved as he co-write and produces this film.

At this point in his career it seems like he has tried it all so why not an action hero? While also showing a macho charisma while being the sensitive hero at the same time. While it is a change of pace. Sean Penn slides right in like he has been doing it forever. He does get to show off his body and the film includes some of his well known Past times such as surfing that find their way into the film.

If you notice this review mainly revolves around him. As truly he is the only noteworthy thing about this movie.

The movie isn’t as compelling as his other thriller THE INTERPRETER though that worked as it had a More sure hand direct by it with Sydney Pollack and worked more as a thriller and at least felt more like an ensemble while he starred in it.

This film seems to be more of an action film but it actually more an espionage film involving spies. Which should make it more intriguing. Unfortunately it doesn’t. In fact the film seems more devoted to showing off Krav Maga as a fighting style.

It’s easy to get lost in espionage films as to the actual plot once it is finally uncovered. Though it does offer a mystery to be uncovered.

This seems like a film made for an older crowd. As it takes it’s time and offers up mostly older seasoned characters and not the hot young things. So that you know the characters are veterans and skilled. Not naive and learning along the way.

It has all the basic ingredients. As the action scenes are more in the second half and are pretty basic. It seems to hit all the required points but still comes off as dry. Though it seems to be more self important and spread some kind of message, before it becomes more centered on the action.

The love story in the middle of the film seems a bit lame but adds a little skin to the film as well as stakes. Plus can’t blame the filmmakers as this is based on a novel.

The film has some respectable actors shows g up in the film. Even though Idris Elba doesn’t appear until the third act. The film also seems to age funnily by putting up a red herring for a villain amongst the bigger names of the cast.

It seems the recognizable names in these types of films. Are here for easy paychecks and either to be red herrings as the main villain not end up being the surprise third act main bad guy.

Although the film was produced by veteran action producer Joel Silver, Silver was removed from the editing room after one visit and the final cut of the film was supervised by actor Sean Penn and director Pierre Morel. Which would explain why this seems like Sean Penn porn as he seems all over and able to do everything and anything in this starring role. As it seems if he is going to crossover he wanted to truly make it worth it for him.

When it comes to Javier Bardem’s character you can understand his motivations but it feels so sappy and ridiculously is for a man in his line of work and position. So that even if not the main the film tries to make him seem noble but he comes off more as pathetic.

Grade: C