“The Gray Man”: A Modern Day Fugitive
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
July 17, 2022
Directors: The Russo Brothers
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas with Regé-Jean Page, Billy Bob Thornton, Julia Butters, and Alfre Woodard
Release Date: July 22, 2022
Rating: 4/5
The Gray Man is an action thriller and a Netflix film adapted from the novel under the same name. On Wednesday, July 13, I attended The Gray Man red carpet and premiere that was held at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood to get a first look at the film.
The Gray Man is about a convict turned CIA agent under the alias Sierra 6 played by Ryan Gosling. Sierra 6 is claimed to be uncatchable and has been erased from society so he can make hits on government threats untraced. In the film the new head of the CIA wants to get rid of the Sierra program to cover up the shady business he has with unethical hits. He hires Lloyd Hansen, played by Chris Evans, to take out Sierra 6. Without giving away too much, the audience can prepare for a heart-racing sequence of events, an amazing storyline, and the joy of seeing Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans on screen together.
Usually, when I see action films, the story doesn’t stick out to me. But The Gray Man has an impactful story with a satisfying ending. I was on the edge of my seat the entire screening. If I could compare this movie to a previous film, I would compare it to The fugitive but times ten. Thirty years later, technology has advanced to such a point where you feel as if you are a part of the chase and the special effects have become shockingly realistic.
Speaking of special effects, I was astonished by The Gray Man’s budget of $200 million. What they were able to do with this money was amazing. The drone shots over Prague, Vienna, and Croatia were unbelievable and the fight scenes, though brutal, were incredibly choreographed. If I were to give one note I will say some of the stunts looked animated due to their intensity.
Ryan Gosling is typically known for Romantic Comedies. The Gray Man showed his range as an actor. He evoked so much emotion by playing a stone-cold CIA Agent. As for Chris Evans, I thought he played a great villain with the perfect amount of fear and comedy. I could do without his mustache though.
Overall, The Gray Man is a must-see film this summer. While there isn’t much hype over the film online, it deserves much more attention. The Gray Man opened in theaters on July 15 and will come to Netflix on July 22. But I would recommend seeing the film in theaters for the best viewing experience.
