Directed by: Guy Ritchie 

Runtime: 1:52

Rated: R

“Wrath of Man”: a film we didn’t need, despite it being of decent quality.

Starring Jason Statham who many may recognize from “The Fast & Furious” franchise, “Wrath of Man” is a remake of the French film, “Cash Truck” (2004) that follows a newly-hired security guard named “H” (Statham), who takes his co-workers’ cash truck heists to the next level. His co-workers are left shocked and intrigued by the mystery man as H uses his expertise and new job opportunity to settle the score with the ghosts of his past. 

The film is thrilling, clean, and gritty — everything a film of the action genre needs to fully succeed within its realm of expectations. It is exactly what you “expect” when you visit the theater to see an R-rated action-thriller. However, just because the film is well-polished and meets the audience’s expectations does not exactly categorize it as a “good” film. Technically, the film manages to come across as pretty entertaining on the surface but when looking at it as an overall construct, it is nothing special. 

I can think of about 10 films off the top of my head that meet the same expectations society has about an American action film and this one is no exception to a genre that is primarily consumed of white males participating in high-intensity parkour and CGI-enhanced fist fights. This statement is not meant to be political in any way, shape, or form; it is simply an observation and assumption that both the action genre and audiences of the action genre adhere to without question. With the exception of films like the “Fast & Furious” franchise that does feature a more diverse cast, most contemporary action flicks feature a cast made up of mostly white male actors and characters, causing the genre to not only feel dull and recycled but also outdated. This film is no exception to this notion, nor was the predicted stereotype overlooked — at least not by me. 

If you are going into the film expecting the “typical” contemporary action blockbuster, you are in luck and will likely not have any complaints. Conversely, if you’re someone who enjoys action-thrillers but want to see something refreshing to the eye that has never been done before, then keep your expectations low: This film is predictable from start to finish. Negativity aside, Jason Statham is truly a force to be reckoned with in all action movies, and this one is not excluded from this observation. Director Guy Ritchie, who is best known for his exclusive work within the British gangster and action genres, wrote and directed many other action-packed gems such as “Sherlock Holmes” (2009), “The Man from U.N.C.L.E” (2015), and “The Gentlemen” (2019). I enjoyed most of these films which is why I was originally interested in seeing “Wrath of Man.”

I don’t know if it is Hollywood’s lack of interest for theatrical releases or if it is the fact that I have been deprived of mainstream cinema for so long that I’m extra critical, but this film, among many of the other ones I’ve seen in 2021, is subpar at best. If you want to be wowed, just wait until the next Marvel release. While I am all for stimulating the economic value for both the film industry and the cineplexes and indie theaters that partner with it, you are better off to stay home and save your money. I give it a 4 out of 10 — the quality was there but I could have spent my time being productive elsewhere.