One of the most interesting aspects behind a films production is the actor-director duo which often extends from one production to the next. Such a collaboration generally occurs because of the strong relationship both partners share with them understanding and knowing how to work off each other. With Wrath Of Man, the film marks Guy Ritchie's and Jason Statham's fourth collaboration together (Their previous works include Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, and Revolver) with their latest effort being a fun action-packed revenge/heist thriller that capitalizes on the main duos talent while placing them right where audiences want them, which is guns blazing and the experience being a wild revenge tale. Although the plot is generic with it having been done before, Ritchie and Statham manage to make it work as being fun popcorn entertainment with the latter further demonstrating his appeal as an action star.
The plot for Wrath Of Man centers around a newly hired security guard (Jason Statham) with a special set of skills, aiming to settle a deadly score while working at an L.A. cash truck transport facility. The film makes no attempts to be groundbreaking nor reinvent the wheel with its story, and has Guy Ritchie utilizing his trademark directorial style while relying on Statham's charisma as an action-star to make the film a fun revenge flick. For this particular revenge/heist story, Ritchie makes it twisty with the plot being flashback-fueled with Statham helping to set the mood with his strong intimidating presence. The film is violent with the action being kinetic enough to hold the audiences interest as the plot unfolds with surprising revelations. If Statham wasn't an already established action star, the film would serve as being a star-making vehicle for him. Although it won't blow audiences away in regards to storytelling, the film packs enough punch with its grim style action and Statham's vengeful persona to make it a thoroughly entertaining experience.
Much of the films strength stems from the compelling performance of its main star with a reliable supporting cast working beside him. As the lead, Statham feels ideally cast with him being effectively thrilling to watch as mysterious and wild-eyed figure H, who stuns his co-workers with his precisive skills in defending the armored truck he's assigned to guard. Statham does well with helping establish the mood and tension of the story. Scott Eastwood impresses as former military soldier tuned heist thief Jan, with Eastwood portraying him as being volatile. His character is one whom audiences love to hate, especially upon seeing revelations unveiled regarding his character. Josh Hartnett surprises with his noteworthy supporting role as Fortico's armored car guard Dave. Though not the main role he's generally accustomed to, Hartnett's role is sizable enough to leave a favorable impression with audiences. Other strong supporting roles include Holy McCallany as Fortico guard Haiden, along with Jeffrey Donovan as the heist crews main leader Jackson, and Andy Garcia in a small role as FBI Agent King who gives H the information needed to kill his way to the person responsible for the murder of his son. The film was always going to require the appropriate main lead who could not only sell its thin revenge plot, but make it feel fresh. With Statham, he proves to be a fitting choice backed with a believable cast.
The directing by Ritchie surprises as being bleak and gloomy with his trademark humor and fancy camerawork style being completely absent here. He gives the film both a sleek and suave look that creates a true heist thriller feel to it, with the plot being kept constantly moving with its two hour running time. The first hour has him properly setting up the characters and tension of the story with the second half switching over to complete action-heist mode. It helps that the films plot and main character are so engaging to watch that audiences don't notice the films two hour length. The soundtrack by Chris Benstead is well-assembled with the selected music appropriately fitting the films tone. Besides the inclusion of Statham as the main lead, one wouldn't guess this to be a Guy Ritchie flick as he plays it more straight-forward and cynical with the plot. The violence is presented in a form that makes it feel relentless with most characters not being spared during, and after the heist occurs. Ritchie does nothing remarkable with the films production, but shocks with how offbeat yet solid his directing appears here with him further extending his versatility as a filmmaker.
The screenplay by Ritchie with Ivan Atkinson, and Marn Davies works as being fairly serviceable in delivering what's essentially a standard heist plot with a few surprise twists thrown into the mix. Although the plot has been done more effective with classic heist thrillers such as Michael Mann's Heat, the writers make an admirable effort to add a level of freshness to it. The filmmakers make an interesting choice to keep much of Statham's characters backstory a mystery with audiences left wondering how he acquired his skills. Whereas this can be frustrating for some with it cutting his backstory short, it can also be looked upon as a strategy that effectively adds suspense to the plot. His characters motive for revenge is revealed in a way that makes audiences empathize with him, while showing the rage his character harbors in looking for the one who killed his son. Although H's character is effectively established, the heist crew carries mixed results with some of their motivations not being clear on why they would abandon their normal family lives to endeavor in a life of professional crime. Some of the plot and character reveals feel like they've been deliberately lifted from other films in the genre such as subplots involving members of H's crew being revealed to be apart of the heist, or members of the robbers turning against each other to get a higher percentage of the money. The films end scene is well-handled despite feeling cliched. When the script attempts to add a different beat to its revenge/heist concept while switching up the form of its storytelling by using flashbacks to unfold the plot, the film works well. Its main issue lies in not thoroughly fleshing out the main motivations of the heist crew, as well as leaving H's backstory ambiguous. One of the key themes that drives the story is showing how those committing the robberies have no remorse with them doing so for the money. For some its a necessity in order to survive with others doing it solely for greed. The script makes a point to show how money is the ultimate motivator in making people do evil deeds with the thirst for revenge also making a person become violent. In exploring both these aspects of the story, Ritchie and the writers do an honorable job of presenting them on screen.
Despite it coming across as being cliched in its storytelling, the film ultimately works as being a dark tale regarding the avenging of family with the heist element supporting it. This is one of Statham's strongest performances in years with him not only reaffirming his stature as being a charismatic action star, but also showing that there's more to him than just playing the role of the Transporter. With this being him and Ritchie's fourth collaboration together, it feels satisfying to see the two pair up once again in taking a generic plot and crafting an intensely effective action-packed experience. It isn't perfect by any means but those who enjoy both Ritchie and Statham films will find Wrath Of Man to be a plausible revenge flick, even if it walks a familiar beat with its plot.
Final Verdict: Stream It
Images courtesy of Miramar/MGM
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