Wrath of Man is the story of “H” (Jason Statham), a new employee at a security truck company. H’s job is simple: ensure the safety of millions of dollars in cash his team must transport across the city. When H goes “above and beyond” during an attempted heist showcasing extreme combat skills, his coworkers start to question just exactly who he is and his motivations.
What works in Wrath of Man is Statham’s stoicism. While perhaps not a stretch for the footballer turned action hero, Statham reminds audiences that he can become a very believable one-man wrecking crew should the situation call for it. His stone-faced demeanor perfectly matches the character of a person on a mission with nothing to lose. It’s not necessarily original, but his performance of doling out justice as he sees fit is still entertaining.
RELATED: Wrath Of Man Star Laz Alonzo Talks About His Experience Working With Guy Ritchie [Exclusive Interview]
Individuals looking for a new spin on tales of vengeance, or a relatable hero, may not enjoy Wrath of Man as much as others. For all of his historical inventiveness in cinema, writer/director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes, Snatch) fails to add anything new to a formula that has at this point bred copies of copies. The only ace up Ritchie’s sleeve is an attempt to keep the proceedings engaging through the use of non-linear storytelling. The result is confusion. Audiences get introduced to plotlines and characters in a manner that makes one think they must have missed a scene or two as they scramble to follow the bouncing ball. Some may enjoy this creative editing, but it is bound to frustrate others.
In films of this genre, audiences are often presented with a sympathetic character: a wronged hero who is justified in their expression of violence (they were simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time” is one common theme). With Wrath of Man, people may struggle to identify with H, which could cause the backbone of the plot to crumble. H is not particularly likeable and while some may feel sorry for him given the events that propel him onto a path of destruction, his backstory of questionable decisions could weaken audience support.
Wrath of Man feels like a film with unfortunate timing. Notably, this movie is a remake of the 2004 French film Cash Truck by Nicolas Boukhrief. Had Wrath of Man been released a decade or more earlier, it might stand out as a novel concept. Sadly in 2021, Guy Ritchie adds to an already bloated sub-genre with very little novelty featuring a main actor in a role he’s played dozens of times.
Recommended if you enjoyed: Taken 3, Nobody, A Man Apart
FINAL GRADE: D
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