Wrath of Man

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. (26/05/2021)

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. (02/06/2021)

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. (27/07/2021)

I never would have guessed that Guy Ritchie would direct such a ruthlessly understated revenge thriller starring Jason Statham. Sure, I’d expect Ritchie to team up with Statham, but I’d also expect an over-the-top spectacle. Instead, we get a quiet warrior patiently waiting for his revenge, and anyone who crosses him doesn't live to tell the tale. It's a very interesting and surprisingly good film. (11/11/2022)

This is what a purposeful remake should be. From the original story, which I liked, Guy Ritchie took the most important thing, added a lot of new things, and made a film that I like even more. The uncompromising dark atmosphere draws you in with the first scene and continues to roll to the sound of flawless creeping music, mixing with the roar of trucks and gunshots. Yes, since the hero is played by Jason Statham, unlike the French original, what he can do is not that surprising, but many other things and characters, including the perfect Scott Eastwood, who obviously can act when given the chance, do surprise. I probably most enjoyed the chapter Scorched Earth, in which the boss and the team followed the footsteps and which was really dense. Great job! (23/07/2021)