Wrath of Man (2021)
Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Jason Statham, Colt McCallany, Joss Hartnett, Scott Eastwood, Andi Garcia
Primary genre: Action thriller
Secondary genre: Heist
Jason Statham has become quite the bona fide action star of the noughties. With his films now being grossing more that a whopping $1.5 billion dollars worldwide, it is easy to forget his humble beginnings as a supporting character in Guy Ritchie’s “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” in 1999. Followed by two more collaborations in “Snatch” (2000) and “Revolver” (2005), we had to wait for almost 17 years to get something new splendidly called “Wrath of Man” (2021).
A remake of the French film “Cash Truck” (2004), “Wrath of Man” has too much plot and no story at the same time. We already know that Statham’s character is seeking revenge so it makes no sense for the film to try so hard to masquerade his (obvious) motivations. Ritchie makes the bizarre choice of exploring a straightforward event from three perspectives which diminish in each turn our interest and present the more you think about large plotholes.
The incorporation of several secondary characters does not really contribute much to the proceedings besides overextending the running time. The script tries desperately to be clever by switching gears halfway through but such a tactic severely backfires by stripping from the plot its charismatic star in order to focus on a group of subpar characters that bear no dramatic substance. Yet, when the much anticipated (and cliched) resolution arrives, it comes too late, feeling anti-climactic. It is a shame though because there are shades of Statham’s character that could have been explored and a more straightforward approach at the hands of a competent screenwriter might have been impactful.
Built as a more serious dramatic vehicle for Statham to flex his acting muscles, “Wrath of Man” finds him consistently reliable; which makes it puzzling why there are not any thrilling or little character moments to make the story work. He graffs and stares like an angry tiger but very rarely gets loose to inflict his own sense of justice. Holt McCallany fares slightly better with his charming and down to earth approach sharing good chemistry with Statham despite their limited interactions while the rest of the cast are being let down by an unnecessarily complicated script that gives them no room to develop, painting them as glorified archetypes. And then you give an embarrassing role (e.g., cameo) to the great Andi Garcia that makes you wonder why bother casting him in the first place.
Guy Ritchie’s filmography has more misfires than hits, a sign that the good old days of the noughties are long gone. Following up right after the superb “The Gentlemen” (2019) - perhaps his best movie, “Wrath of Man” lacks all of his trademark signatures - quirky lines, black humor, slick direction, narration montages - feeling like his first (inexperienced) dig at serious material. Although his love for the Stath is evident - he is framed front and center, he mishandles the (very limited) action scenes with confused shots and weird editing employing horrific cinematography and pompous music. There is a sentiment lingering above the film that Ritchie is trying too hard to make this story (which he cowrote) a dark and complex tale of revenge. However, there is nothing remotely complex or fascinating with a blunt and unnecessary presentation choice that seeks desperately the categorization of edgy and innovative.
A confused mess, Statham’s and Richie’s fourth (and long awaited) collaboration is far from interesting. Plagued with plot holes, an army of pointless characters, a lack of emotional depth and exciting action scenes, “Wrath of Man” is a vast disappointment with no saving grace besides its charismatic lead.
Statham’s and Ritchie’s reunion misfire
+Statham is always reliable
+Playing against type
-… although he has nothing to work with
-Wasted cast
-Banal action
-Banal resolution
-Statham is not even fighting
-Abysmal cinematography
-Pompous music
-Filler characters