🚚 REVIEW: Wrath of Man

A Man can take but so much...

  

Wrath of Man is a 2021 British/American action thriller film directed by Guy Ritchie, who co-wrote with Ivan Atkinson and Marn Davies. It is loosely based on the 2004 French film Cash Truck.

The plot of Wrath of Man centers on H (Jason Statham), a quiet and enigmatic man who begins working at Fortico, a cash transport company responsible for moving vast amounts of money across Los Angeles every week. H’s demeanor is cold, and his motivations appear to be shrouded in mystery. As he becomes involved in the high-stakes world of armored truck heists, his colleagues soon realize that H is no ordinary employee.

(Please do not watch the trailer as it contains spoilers that will ruin your movie experience.)

I didn't get the chance to watch this film in the theaters in 2021 because of COVID restrictions, a year of slop movies, and I didn't feel like wasting my $25 on a movie that may be a waste of my time. Almost 4 years later, I finally got to see the film on Tubi and I was blown away. Believe or not, this was my first Guy Ritchie film.

First day on the job...

This movie isn't your typical action thriller as this story has a lot of twists and turns at unexpected places that are addictive that it makes you crave for more. It is divided into four episodic chapters. Almost all of the characters are likeable and unique, main ones have moderate character development, but I wish the others got more time to develop. The story is compressive and doesn't insult your intelligence as it let's you know what's going on without having it to spoon feed you. It also feels natural and organic without anything uncanny or out of place. The movie itself has a serious tone without any unnecessary humor that makes it refreshing; it's legitimately an real mature film.

When I mean by mature, I mean, it's a serious film that takes it self seriously without any silly moments. The movie surprisingly as some based moments as well, I can see why mainstream critics hate this movie.

My main criticism of the film is that I wish it were a bit longer. While the film has a runtime of 119 minutes, I would have preferred it to be around 145 minutes so that the characters could be more fully developed. However, I appreciate that the 119-minute duration doesn’t feel rushed; it feels like a substantial length, as the film makes good use of every moment.

Christopher Benstead's music score for the film gives it a theme that fits the movie's serious tone, and I like it, but, respectively, it's not anything special. It's his first film that he's scored, so maybe he'll get better. If you love the sound of guns and action, your ears will be full of eargasm, especially if you have a surround sound set up.  This film has alot of shooting, action, and some gun porn that's very satisfying if you're into action movies. The film makes a very well-made blend of practical and digital special effects that most people wouldn't have noticed. Alan Stewart's cinematography is excellent, despite being shot digitally from Sony Venice cameras and finished in native 4K. The film looks organic and doesn't have that artificial digital look.

Without spoiling the story too much, this is all I have to say. If you're a grown adult who enjoys action thriller films with a serious, intense, and grim story, then this entertaining film is right up your alley. Wrath of Man doesn’t rely on flashy set pieces or over-the-top action sequences to captivate its audience. Instead, it draws you in with a well-crafted narrative, tight pacing, and memorable performances. The atmosphere is dark and brooding, and the film thrives on its sense of tension, building up to moments that truly pack a punch. It's a movie that demands your full attention, offering layers of depth and complexity that make it much more than just a standard action flick. In my opinion, this movie is kino — a cinematic experience that’s both gripping and rewarding for those who appreciate a more mature and thoughtful approach to the genre.

8 out of 10 cash trucks

🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚💵💵💵💵

Author: Æ Firestone / Images: © Amazon MGM