As we charge into the Summer season with a full head of steam, it’s no surprise that streaming services are dropping movies at a consistent rate. I will be totally transparent; I think straight to streaming is hellish and dumb. Most of them are cookie cutter, assembly line, machine made films with no personality or flavor. Not to mention that most of them have preposterous budgets that only adds to the general frustration.
When I first found out about “Hit Man” (2024) and it being directed by legendary filmmaker Richard Linklater while also starring the fantastic Glen Powell, I was over the moon excited for it. Then Netflix bought it…but to my surprise (not really), that does not matter at all. The comedy of the Summer is officially here.
Chemistry Can’t Be Better Than This
The most important part of a romance comedy is ensuring your leads have chemistry almost to an intense degree. Director Richard Linklater has always been incredibly gifted at creating grounded characters who naturally interact with each other. Glen Powell and Adria Arjona are no exception with this film. They are two bonafide, sexy stars that make everything in “Hit Man” work. This absurdly fun plot is headed by a charming and hilarious performance courtesy of Powell. He is having the time of his life in this role and that energy radiates from the screen. Powell is becoming a force as a leading man and this is his defining role up until this point. Joining him is the amazing Arjona who also turns in a magnificently charismatic performance. The two share the screen as a combo and flow so well together. A true testament to the direction, dialogue, and acting itself. Their chemistry is everything and is the best part of this whole film.
The rest of the cast is hilarious and lovable as well. Retta provides some of the funniest line reads in this whole thing while Austin Amelio provides a freakish and pathetic character. Linklater flashes his genius comedy writing from the dialogue to the situations. Everyone here shines and adds to the hilarity of this black comedy.
This film is hot. Hot and heavy is a great way to describe it because it accurately represents an attractive couple in their 30s. Linklater has always been an expert at creating realistic love and companionship. This is new territory for him and he hits his points in stride.
One Of The Most Exciting Movies Of The Year
Along with this movie being hot, it’s one of the most exciting movies of the year. It’s an absolute blast from start to finish and is an absolute crowd pleaser. Richard Linklater deserves all the credit in the world for stepping into a new space by exploring action and crime blended with comedy and love. Its amazing pacing alone sets this movie aside from others.
The best way I can describe this love letter to popcorn flicks is asking a rhetorical question; how in the hell was this greenlit and made in this modern era. It plays like an exciting 80s comedy with all the makings to become a cult classic. It never does feel apart of the machine or assembly line sphere that most movies are seemingly grouped in with now. This is unique. This is fresh.
Netflix acquiring “Hit Man” is a really encouraging step for straight to streaming. Streaming is only getting bigger and the prospect of brain rot dictating the state of film is not ideal. This is a positive development, though I wish “Hit Man” had a bigger theatrical run. This exciting film should be seen on the big screen and I highly suggest making an effort to do so. It’s an exciting crowd pleaser in the best way possible and will absolutely become a cult classic.
Richard Linklater presents the comedy of the summer.
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