[Destor]

The Gray Man - 7/10

I put off watching this thinking Ryan Gosling, who's a great actor mind you, just didnt work as a lead in an action flick. Most times that would probably be right but the Russo Brothers put together a very good action film here.

Its not just Gosling thats good here though Jessica Henwick, Billy Bob Thorton and Julia Butters all have a pretty good showing here despite this not being an "actors movie." This film doesnt rely on characters or dialog as its an action film and its not ashamed of that.

That is of course with the exception of Chris Evans. His character is the only character in the film really but even still he's really excellent and his villian is up there with a lot of classic action villains. It should prove to be a very memorable role.

The action is very solid to good thoughout and the scenes are largely practical save a few key moments (one ill touch on in a bit.) The do a realy good job not over cutting and still keeping the pace up.

The plane scene however is a visual mess both from the CG and the cinematography. Really poor sequence. But the film makes up for it in big ways. The climactic fight is legitimately one of the best climaxes to an action film in at least 20 years.

All in all if you're in the mood for an action flick and youve got 2 hours give it a watch. It leans into tropes and it doesnt apologize for it.