The movie Gemini Man (2019) deserves better than the box office gate this film feels like it is going to receive. The reception from critics are doing nobody any favors when it comes to a movie that deserves better than the press is giving this film. Go see the movie Gemini Man.
(Benedict Wong as Baron, left, and Will Smith as Henry Brogan in the film Gemini Man).
The movie Gemini Man itself begins with a strong introduction to the action film that it is. Will Smith stars as Henry Brogan, an assassin at the top of his field seeking to retire. The initial mystery following Henry’s decision to retire is the larger question of why walking away into the sunset would not be a satisfactory outcome to whomever seems to have placed hit on his head.
(Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Danny Zakarweski in the film Gemini Man).
Danny Zakarewski, as played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, is tasked with surveiling Henry as Henry visits a friend by boat. Circumstances quickly change, bringing the lives of Danny, Henry and others into question. An alliance between Danny and Henry are formed, with a trip oversees that introduces us to Baron, as portrayed by Benedict Wong.
(Clive Owen as Clay Verris, left, and Will Smith as Junior in the film Gemini Man).
The film itself is cinematically stunning, which in parts introduces the audience to the characters of Junior as played by Will Smith and Clay Verris as played by Clive Owens. The larger drama partly deals in the backstories of Verris, Brogan, Baron and Junior while layering more intrigue than it is fair to divulge for those who haven’t seen the film.
(Gemini Man director Ang Lee).
Ang Lee directed this film, which has meant a more ponderous and intelligent take on the psychological complexities of the characters. Perhaps the Ang Lee film Ride with the Devil (1999) performs better in the complexity regard, though both have had the visually stunning yet lacking emotional depth critique leveled at them. My sense is that this film, for as hard as some find following the action in some of the fight scenes, is that it performs better than some are granting. I enjoyed the film, acknowledging that I would have liked something a bit more from the story of Junior to help bring some emotional heft to the movie experience. My grade for Gemini Man is 3.5-stars on a scale of one-to-five.
Matt – Saturday, October 26, 2019
Matt Lynn Digital 