WRATH OF MAN (2021)

 

Directed By: Guy Ritchie  Written by Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson & Marn Davies  Based on the film “LE CONVEOYEUR” Written By: Nicolas Boukhrief & Eric Basnard Cinematography: Alan Stewart  Editor: James Herbert 

Cast: Jason Statham, Josh Hartnett, Holt McCallany, Jeffrey Donovan, Andy Garcia, Scott Eastwood, Rocci Williams, Laz Alonzo, Eddie Marsan, Raul Castillo, Chris Reilly, Niamh Alger, Rob Delaney, Darell D’Silva, Deobia Oparei, Babs Olussanmokun 

Mysterious and wild-eyed, a new security guard for a cash truck surprises his co-workers when he unleashes precision skills during a heist. The crew is left wondering who he is and where he came from. Soon, the marksman's ultimate motive becomes clear as he takes dramatic and irrevocable steps to settle a score.

I didn't know this was an American remake of a French film named CASH TRUCK. Which I haven't seen, but even if a remake of this film is well done 

This is pretty much your typical Jason Statham action movie. It’s ridiculous if you think too hard about it. Only this one has a lot less comedy and winking at the audience.

This is more hard-hitting even though buried in it is a revenge story. It’s a GOOD popcorn movie that keeps you entertained and emotionally interests you.

One of the reasons that this film might be a cut above. It is a reunion for director Guy Ritchie and star Jason Statham. As they have made a movie together since REVOLVER in 2005, which bombed pretty heavy 

Here they both are in and out of their element just as darkly violent as their previous gangster movies, but this one is more conventional. Less interesting characters but still loaded with nicknames and again very little humor. Making every scene feel serious.

While at first, it might seem like a setback for Ritchie. Coming off his rather fantastic crime-action comedy THE GENTLEMAN. To do this which at first seems more like a basic studio job that feels a little beneath him at the moment, but he fills the film with his brand of Testosterone and mild quirks 

What also helps the film is partially explaining and humanizing the villains. Showing the team isn’t necessarily heartless. More doing what they have to do and while absolving the one member of his unnecessary act. They are just as guilty for not punishing and seeking retribution. Especially in the final act where they seem more heartless.

They also remind one of the criminal crew from the film GANG OF THIEVES. Where we get to see them in normal Life and acknowledge they have families and are doing this for compensations and the thrill after being grounded from the military

The film offers very few surprises but it presents the elements of the story in an interesting way that keeps you invested. Even pretty early they show the audience and the characters that Statham's Character is badass and hard to stop. 

This film makes him come off as more ruthless than usual. As here he is more dead-eyed and less jolly. He is downright scary in this film. He also still looks good even in his minimalist wardrobe.

It seems to get that out of the way early so that the film can eventually offer other plot points and history of the characters and situations that have led to the current problem. 

While at the same time presenting the problems they are mounting for one another. 

I can admit I wasn't thinking this would be as good as it is when first seeing the trailer. I can call this film a welcome surprise. It doesn’t rewrite the rules or anything, but if looking for a good action thriller. This one's for you 

Grade: B