Fast Charlie

FAST CHARLIE has Pierce Brosnan as a fixer for a mob family, and works on the premise that they’re his true family and his closest allies. So, when a turf-war results in everyone in his mob being killed, he takes them out one by one. Therefore, the revenge part of it is less impactful because we don’t really get to know these people. But there IS a key relationship – a love-interest/father daughter thing with a young woman getting dragged into the conflict. It’s a sweet relationship, but, I mean, she’s WAY WAY younger. 45 to his 71. If it wasn’t handsome Pierce Brosnan it would be downright creepy. There’s also a regional, local color aspect to this movie, which means the sense of place is a big priority. Be that as it may, it’s still an old-man, one-man-army and he drives off into the sunset with his new lady-friend.

The Beekeeper

A pulpy revenge fantasy and works really well because the initial inciting incident, a nice old lady being scammed by a boiler-room full of cyber-thieves, is something everyone can relate to. Lots of “Oh, no. You pissed off the wrong guy…” dread, like John Wick. The rest of the plot is clunky and involves a lot of coincidences and hare-brained implausibilities. But Statham kills a bunch of bad guys and that makes it really enjoyable. There's no central relationship. He’s a one-man army with NO buddies, which is lacking. But still really fun. 

Hit Man

I was thinking that this was a movie about a hit man. But (spoiler alert) it’s not about a hit man. It’s a comedic noir, focused on the central romantic relationship. There are a couple of REALLY well-directed “two-hander” scenes that are, like, masterly in the reveals and suspense. The characters making choices, and twists that result unfold so skillfully. The script never disguises who the villain is and makes it so you really want them to die. Also, good use of cell phones. It's light, but skillfully done. I think this kid Linklater has a future.

The Creator

I would like to have seen this on the big screen. The effects are cool, but it’s a hodge-podge. A mess of sci-fi ideas in an overly-cooked stew. But it works because it’s EMOTIONAL. Like really, really. Like, “wow” them in the end.