The Gray Man 2022

Non spoiler thoughts (summary): Feels like Mission: Impossible Fallout, especially in the attempt to create friction between the lead and the villain, but this never reaches that same level of precision or control. The banter feels forced to me. Wagner Moura is easily the standout, and Jessica Henwick also leaves a better impression here than I expected. Most of the action does not do much for me, but there are a couple of sequences where the Russo brothers suddenly show flashes of tactical energy and sharper staging. Even so, the film mostly feels like another reminder that outside the Marvel grandeur, their work has not been hitting for me. Instead of feeling slick or exciting, a lot of it just feels overly familiar, too eager to impress, and not as interesting as it thinks it is. ⚠️ Spoilers ahead. From here on, plot details are discussed. Read on if you’ve seen the film. If not, save this post and come back after. ⚠️ The character dynamic reminds me of Mission Impossible Fallout, especially the tension between Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill. But this one lacks that clear vision and control that Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie brings. The sarcastic banter between Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans also did not work for me. It feels forced, like it is trying too hard to be funny while also trying to present Evans as a threatening villain. Even Regé Jean Page did not feel convincing. He comes across more like a cry baby trying to act tough. There are also moments that felt very predictable. The trap door scene was obvious. I had a straight face the whole time. The use of FPV drones was not that impressive either. And when the hedge labyrinth appeared, I already knew someone was going to die there. Sobrang cliché. Naparoll eyes talaga ako. The best part of the film for me is Wagner Moura. He feels like a completely different person in this role. He stands out. I also liked that Jessica Henwick had more screen time here compared to her role in The Force Awakens. Most of the action sequences are just meh, except for the plaza shootout. That scene where Alpha, Bravo, Delta, SWAT, and the police are all moving together was really good. Doon nag all in ang Russo brothers. It reminded me of the tactical movement in Captain America The Winter Soldier. Another highlight is Ana de Armas during the mansion bombing in the final act. But overall, this film just proves to me that the Russo brothers are not as interesting without the Avengers. Cherry and The Electric State also show that pattern. Medyo nakakatakot tuloy isipin what they might do with RDJ in Doomsday, especially after how they handled Chris Evans’ villain here.