What I loved most: The lead actors Sturgess & Kingsley
What I really hated: A little too unhurried
It's a tad loose, but feels as scruffily engaging as its lead character, ably played by Sturgess. Kingsley lends strong support as his handler/paternal figure, and while I'd hesitate to call it a thriller, being that it's rather short on actual thrills, it's a more than passable drama, based on a remarkable true story.
The script is all over the place, with unnecessary subplots and characters. The central conceit of the cleanup company is cute, but doesn't add anything significant. What then, warrants the passing grade? The answer is Amy Adams and Emily Blunt, who give faultless performances that lift their characters out of the caricatures they could've been, and give genuine depth, warmth and humor to their relationship.
What I loved most: The entertaining twists and turns
What I really hated: Fractured timeline is confusing to those not paying attention
Tony Gilroy has proven he can do smart and captivating thrillers like the best of them, and here he shows his chops in making smart, captivating thrillers that are tons of fun to boot. The scenes sizzle and spark, and the twists and turns and backstabbing and intrigue are endlessly entertaining.
What I loved most: Rinko Kinkuchi (hilarious) and Rachel Weisz (lovely)
What I really hated: The unnecessary and muddled third act
With a story about storytelling, this isn't your average heist flick. But the blending of genres is skillful, and the grab-bag of production design gives it a timeless quality that's rare. Fantastic performances from all, especially the lovely Rachel Weisz and a hilarious Rinko Kikuchi, should make this perfect. Unfortunately, it loses its way in the unnecessary and needlessly muddled third act.
Paul Rudd is the key to this bromantic comedy, and his awkward performance is a real comic gem. It could've been pacier, but it's an entertaining ramble nonetheless, and actually sweet at times. And you gotta love J.J. Simmons' delivery of all his lines.
I normally hate Tony Scott, but thankfully he reins in his trademark visual excesses here and just lets his actors do the work. It's a rote script, to be sure, but Washington, Travolta and the fine supporting cast elevate the material and Scott keeps everything snappy, delivering an entertaining enough thriller.
