Wrath of Man

I've had a long-standing problem with Statham and I just don't enjoy watching him. But when I think about it, I don't think I've seen him do anything better. The superiority and smugness that characterizes perhaps every one of his roles suited me just fine this time. It was funny and tough at first, then hard and ruthless later. Good characters, atmosphere, cinematography, editing. Well, I haven't left a movie theater this impressed in a long time. Then again, I haven't left a movie theater at all in a long time. (28/07/2021)

Guy Ritchie seems to be finally maturing as a filmmaker around the age of 50 and has made a relatively restrained, down-to-earth and straightforward heist/inside job gangster film that has its feet on the ground, is still pretty cool and understandably free of the typical sharp humour. Statham without the kicks – a wonder in itself, but one that works surprisingly well, and the action overall is passable. At times it looks like Michael Mann is remaking Heat with a joint in his mouth, drinking Irish whiskey, but OK, as long as it doesn't take itself too seriously, and given that it's actually a very decently made B-movie without much ambition, it's fine. (03/06/2021)

Projects by Guy Ritchie usually stand out for their playfulness and lightness, which this time has been replaced by straightforward action full of violence, testosterone, developed musculature, and a sullen gaze à la Sylvester Stallone on the face of Jason Statham. Although he is not usually cast by directors in roles of intellectuals, here his unchanging frosty expression is a bit of a shame. The simple story about a journey to get revenge wouldn't bother me if Ritchie hadn't made it into such a popcorn flick. Supermen who knock down six opponents with six shots from dozens of feet away belong in fairy tales that I don't appreciate. Additionally, I get the impression that the team of screenwriters did not do a good job in this case, and a few times I incredulously raised my eyebrows at the strange shortcut in the plot or the behavior of the characters. However, Ritchie is too good of a director to make an outright bad film, especially since this one appeared at just the right time after the forced fasting imposed by the COVID epidemic. Within the genre, it is clearly above average, and any fan of action spectacles can confidently add a fourth star to my overall impression of 60%. (24/02/2022)

To begin with, Wrath of Man looks like a Statham classic about a dude with a clear moral compass who eliminates gangs that rob armored cars. GTA style. But I was mistaken. The tough, focused approach chosen by Richie and maintained till the very end reveals that he has grown up at last and can deal with his ego if the story needs it. No music-video type editing and, whenever there is a one-liner, then it’s sexist and homophobic, plus cruel and bloody action. The combination of Zahler’s approach mixed with a Mann’s crime movie works like a well-oiled machine. Benstead’s music amazingly highlights the unpleasant, almost chilling undertones of the whole movie. An excellent role for Eastwood. (27/05/2021)

Feel my Wrath! I'm shocked what a gem Wrath of Man turned out to be. I was expecting a classic Statham action movie, but instead I got a well thought-out revenge-heist and gangster film with an atmosphere so dense, raw, and unpleasant at times that I was genuinely scared. There is less action than I expected, but considering the overall result, I forgive everything. The trailer showed maybe 10%, and I was shocked at how the movie turned out. I had no idea where it was heading. Jason Statham definitely has the best role of his career playing an angry, pissed-off boss with a cold expression craving revenge, but at the same time, he has character and doesn't kill people who are not against him. This is the dreamed badass protagonist I love, and I finally got to see him. The young Scott Eastwood impresses as well. He shows for the first time that he can act, playing a slimy, cold, and evil character flawlessly. The story is told retrospectively from multiple angles and perspectives, just the way I like it. There are a lot of tough guys who command respect, blood is not spared, neither are corpses. The final heist plan is as well-thought-out as in Money Heist, and the action-packed half-hour at the end is more than satisfying. The sound effects of the guns are stunning! (no muffled gun barrels). The whole movie is accompanied by a gripping and dark soundtrack that elevates it even higher. I must praise the realism and authenticity of the entire story. (the scene with the SWAT team, those guys commanded so much respect that I started to wish they would never come out of that car, otherwise they would take me away!). The final reckoning is among the sweetest revenge endings I've ever seen, and of course, there was one unexpected twist. A truly amazing manly feat loaded in all directions, and I'm looking forward to watching it again! I enjoyed it immensely. A contender for movie of the year! 9/10. (26/05/2021)