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Wrath of Man
(MGM/United Artists Releasing/Miramax)
By Lucas Allen
A remake of the 2004 French thriller “Cash Truck,” “Wrath of Man” is brought stylishly to life by co-writer, producer, and director Guy Ritchie. Much like last year’s The Gentlemen, he returns to his filmmaking roots after years trying to hone his skills to big-budget blockbusters between “Sherlock Holmes” and “Aladdin.” Except this time, he puts his skills to good use when setting up more elaborate action scenes.
After a robbery turned into a bloody shootout, a man simply named H (Jason Statham) is hired by the Fortico Security Co. as a new driver for their money transfer trucks. He’s soon trained by Bullet (Holt McCallany) before the manager (Eddie Marsden) lets him work on his first day. At first, his other coworkers, including codriver Boy Sweat Dave (Josh Hartnett), see him as another newbie in a life-risking operation. Then he surprises everybody when he’s able to single-handedly take out a group of crooks trying to rob one of the trucks.
Though given some newfound respect, H knows it’s all part of his undercover mission of vengeance that his fellow drivers don’t. He’s actually a crime boss trying to find the man responsible for the murder of his young son that happened during the bloody robbery/shootout. He also knows there’s an inside man from within the company working for another group of crooks including leader Jackson (Jeffrey Donovan) and trigger-happy Jan (Scott Eastwood), who are ex-military men willing to make extra dough.
The story is told in a non-linear format, which works to this movie’s many advantages. It does a good job setting things up, with a robbery scene shot in one take and shown from inside the truck before introducing the main character getting the job. From there, you get action, character development, and important plot points told in different points of time without being too confusing. While all that happens, the suspense builds and builds to an intense climax that brings everything together. It also helps that there are some surprises that give the film an aroma of brilliance.
As for the action, Ritchie relies on the craftmanship of cinematographer Alan Stewart and editor James Herbert to create some visceral visual sequences. The camera becomes the viewer’s eye as it observes the characters’ movements and actions, while editing put some pieces together to create seamless energy. Much of the action is mainly shootouts especially the climax, where bullets fly and bodies fall. The end result is a shockingly satisfying experience that doesn’t hold back on everything you want in an action film.
It’s here where Statham shines the most in his best role to date drawing a very thin line between hero and anti-hero. When he aims to shoot, he’s the equivalent of The Terminator combined with the deadly gaze of a Clint Eastwood character. He’s backed up by a great supporting cast most notably the young Eastwood expanding his acting roster by going outside the box in a very villainous performance.
Summer’s about to kick in, and “Wrath of Man” is the perfect appetizer for the returning blockbuster season. Both Ritchie and Statham pulled out all the stops to create hard-hitting action and suspense to satisfy the senses. Not to mention, the music in this film helps to enhance the atmosphere.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for strong violence throughout, pervasive language, and some sexual references)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
