Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Hit Man (2023)
"Hit Man" isn't about a real hitman. It's about a college teacher who pretends to be a hitman. He works undercover to help the cops convict anyone who goes looking for a hitman. Because when you go looking for a hitman, eventually you will find an undercover cop pretending to be one.
And there are an unexpectedly large number of people who are angry enough and stupid enough to think that hitmen actually exist. This story is based on a true story, of a man who helped the police achieve 70 arrests and dozens of convictions. However, not all arrests result in convictions.
In fact, it's questionable if any crime would really have been committed. It's not like those arrested could hire a real hitman. It's possible these people would have taken things into their own hands. It's possible they would have eventually calmed down. Is it entrapment to lie to someone about being a hitman when you are actually on the payroll of the police? That is ultimately for the lawyers and jury to decide.
Even though this movie is about deceit, I somehow felt deceived by the ending. Because while the story is based on a true story, the ending is not. And while some movies make the mistake of wrapping things up too neatly when it might have been better to leave a little up to the imagination, this movie makes an entirely different mistake. The movie ends just when things start to get interesting. Then it briefly time warps into the future to wrap everything neatly up in a bow.
There is an underlying theme that drives this movie forward, which makes it particularly interesting. Can people change? We start with a college teacher who drives a Civic, and whose ex-wife is now happily married and pregnant with someone else's child. Is this the teacher trying to teach people that they should seize the day and become their best selves? You will have to watch the movie to learn the answer the movie gives. It is tied too close to the ending for me to even hint about it here.
- You are not comfortable with themes of deception and entrapment.
- You prefer movies that strictly adhere to their true story inspirations.
- You dislike films that wrap up too neatly or abruptly without explaining loose ends.
- You expect a typical crime or action thriller. This movie deals with more complex themes of personal redemption and change.
- You have children under the age of 16. Due to its complex themes and questionable morality, it may be inappropriate for a younger audience.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Hit Man"? Is it a crime thriller or a lesson in irony? You got this college teacher, right, moonlighting as a hitman, or rather, playing a pretend hitman to help the cops catch the real bad guys. I mean, I know teachers don't get paid much, but couldn't he find a safer job, like tandem skydiver instructor or perhaps taking tourists swimming with the sharks?
And then, there's this whole crowd of folks angry enough and dim enough to believe hitmen are as easy to find as a pizza delivery. "Oh, hello? I'd like a large pepperoni and one assassination, please." It's like a discount store for people with anger management issues. I mean, come on.
The movie is based on a true story, which makes it even more surreal. I mean, did these people actually think they could hire a hitman, like some sort of freelance gig on Craigslist? "Wanted: Hitman. Must be discreet."
Mr. Brooks (2007):
If you were intrigued by the unconventional protagonist in "Hit Man" who plays a double role in society, I'd suggest watching "Mr. Brooks". In this movie, Kevin Costner gives a fantastic performance as a successful businessman leading a secret life as a serial killer. Similar to "Hit Man", "Mr. Brooks" also explores an interesting psychological investigation into its character's concealed intentions and dual existence. However, "Mr. Brooks" delves deeper into its lead character's sinister side, making an even more complex narrative.
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002):"Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" could pique your interest due to its unusual premise. Like "Hit Man", this movie features a seemingly ordinary man leading an extraordinary covert life. Based on the alleged autobiography of Chuck Barris, a popular television producer and host who claimed to have worked as a hitman for the CIA, the film blends reality with fiction - an aspect you may appreciate given your attraction to the ambiguous authenticity of “Hit Man.”
Eastern Promises (2007):Since the concept of "Hit Man" of disguising personal identity to help convict criminals inspires you, you might enjoy "Eastern Promises". This film explores the dark underworld of London's Russian mafia, with a twist of undercover intelligence. It deals with themes of duplicity and unexpected alliances, just like "Hit Man". Directed by David Cronenberg and starring Viggo Mortensen, the movie is praised for its gripping narrative and powerful performances.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013):"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" showcases a character much like the professor in "Hit Man", who leads a mundane life but aspires for more. The movie focuses on Walter Mitty, played by Ben Stiller, a man caught in his routine job as a photo editor, who frequently drifts into daydreams of adventurous experiences. If the theme of personal change in "Hit Man" resonated with you, you might find Walter's transformation to become his best self an compelling watch.
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