By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
I am still holding out hope that
Christoph Waltz will land a standout role reminiscent of his Oscar-winning performances in "Django Unchained" (2012) and "Inglourious Basterds" (2009). Until then, we're left watching him in so-so action-comedy films like his latest movie,
"Old Guy" from director
Simon West ("The Legend Hunters," "Con Air") and screenwriter
Greg Johnson ("The Last Son").
"Old Guy" offers a few humorous moments, but despite a promising start, it never quite gains momentum. Waltz plays Danny Dolinski, an aging hitman on the brink of retirement due to a right-hand injury and the added burden of arthritis. This makes it increasingly difficult for him to be the lethal assassin he once was.
After a botched assignment, his employer, "The Company," led by Opal (Ann Akinjirin, "Dreamers"), begins to question his value. As a result, Danny is reassigned to manage a safe house in London while Opal searches for a younger, more capable replacement--none other than the cocky and eccentric Wihlborg (Cooper Hoffman, "Saturday Night," "Licorice Pizza"). To add insult to injury, Danny is asked to train Wihlborg, a hitman with skill, but also a notorious reputation for accidentally killing innocent bystanders during assignments.
Danny and Wihlborg are sent to Northern Ireland to eliminate key members of a rival crime syndicate. The mission quickly proves more complicated than expected, especially when they uncover a betrayal from within their own ranks. Thankfully, Danny runs into his old friend and love interest, Anata (Lucy Liu, "Red One"), who isn't afraid of a fight and steps in to help them out of their predicament. Although Danny resents being paired with Wihlborg, he has no choice but to trust that the young, eager hitman--determined to do things his own way--will rise to the occasion.
The film's climactic shootout is exciting but familiar, offering nothing particularly new for fans of these kinds of actioners. Cooper Hoffman, the son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, proves his acting prowess, creating an effective foil to Waltz's more seasoned character. While Lucy Liu could have benefitted from more screen time, she makes the most of her role, convincingly selling each scene.
Despite this talented trio, "Old Guy" comes across as a safe, and predictable movie which feels a bit dated and old. It's not terrible, but without Waltz it would be, and a guy with his acting pedigree deserves far better.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"OLD GUY"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
