It’s been twenty-three years since I saw Guy Ritchie’s debut film, Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, a clever crime comedy that introduced the world to Jason Statham. The director and star collaborated on Revolver and Snatch and now, reuniting for the first time in fifteen years, Wrath of Man.
Based on the 2004 French film Cash Truck by Nicolas Boukhrief, Wrath of Man is a film with a simple plot that tries to be complicated.
Utilizing a non-linear structure with many scenes avoiding dialogue altogether, Ritchie tries to peel away the story like an onion, but instead dices it.
Statham plays H, who despite his obvious claims, is more than a man who signs up to work for a cash truck company. H has an agenda, and whether or not he’s a good or bad guy, it really doesn’t matter.
When his truck is attacked at gunpoint, H unleashes his combat skills and single-handedly saves the day.
Who is H and what does he hope to accomplish?
The solid supporting cast includes Holt McCallany, Jeffrey Donovan, Josh Hartnett, Laz Alonso, Scott Eastwood, Post Malone, Rob Delaney and Andy Garcia. This movie is a constant reminder that without a good screenplay, it’s impossible to make a good film.
As the plot revels itself, it’s fairly uninspired and predictable, much like Ritchie’s filmography of recent years. Running almost two hours, Wrath of Man delivers a tired, overlong execution, which is appropriate since if I had to watch it again, I’d kill myself.
* * * * *
Produced by Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Bill Block
Screenplay by Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies
Based on Cash Truck by Nicolas Boukhrief
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Starring Jason Statham, Holt McCallany, Jeffrey Donovan, Josh Hartnett,
Laz Alonso, Raúl Castillo, DeObia Oparei, Eddie Marsan, Scott Eastwood
