Watched in the cinema (106th visit in 2024)

Richard Linklater naturally enjoys a great reputation as a director. Over the last three decades, the American has made many wonderful films, some of which have achieved cult status. Now, after a few forays into streaming, "Hit Man" is once again a feature film that actually has everything it takes to be a hit - at least in Germany, where the comedy is actually being released in cinemas instead of being buried on Netflix.

Glen Powell, who was seen a few months ago in "Anyone But You", one of this year's surprise hits, is certainly the star of the show. Once again, he plays the leading role in a romcom in which lies play a major role. And yet the two genre entries could hardly be more different. This is not least due to Powell himself. The actor, who co-wrote the screenplay with Linklater, says goodbye to his tried-and-tested character of the charming asshole. At first, he embodies someone who is very reserved and is not noticed by anyone. It is only through the various roles that Gary takes on in "Hit Man" that he develops a presence. The leading actor also shows an unexpected range when Gary tries out all sorts of things.

It is also this game with identities that makes for good humor here. At some point, the protagonist himself no longer knows where the boundaries between Gary and Ron lie. At the very least, the movie invites us to think about this topic. How much of one's identity is innate, how much is self-constructed? Instead of turning this into a cerebral drama, "Hit Man" turns it into a good-humored comedy that is sometimes biting, sometimes romantic. And quite sexy at times, Powell and Adria Arjona develop a lot of chemistry when the two characters approach each other in a playful way. Sparks really fly.

Incidentally, you shouldn't expect action, even though the movie is sometimes sold as an action comedy. Furthermore, the story, which was inspired by an actual newspaper article, is not entirely original. There are even passages where expectations are confirmed when "Hit Man" alternates between mainstream and anarchy. On the other hand, the movie shows an unexpectedly immoral side later on. Overall, this somewhat different romance is entertaining and worth seeing, providing a breath of fresh air in an area that too often sinks into kitsch and doesn't even try to tell its own story.