The Gray Man (2022) Review

The Gray Man (2022)

The Gray Man follows Sierra 6, who, after accidentally uncovering agency secrets, is sent on the run after the CIA sends a reckless  hitman to take him out and retrieve the information he holds. 

So…I’m confused. Did I watch the same movie as everyone else? Because this shit was great! At it’s announcement, this seemed like the perfect vessel for the Russo Brothers to dive back into the political espionage genre (after knocking it out of the park with Captain America: Winter Soldier), only with a little more freedom for style, story, and tone. And (in my opinion) they absolutely delivered on that concept, giving us flashy, vertigo inducing action sequences, while utilizing Chris Evans’ good guy image against the viewer to craft and douchey bad guy that is a perfect foil for 6, who—for him—this is just another Thursday (something played to excellent comedic effect). 

Obviously, it’s a story that’s been played out a thousand times over (and even played out in Winter Soldier), but hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Keeping the story black and white like that (until the end at least) allows us to just focus on the spectacle, of which there is plenty of, from stunning fireworks fight scenes, to a Prague train scene that destroys half the city, and wrapping us all up, a not-so-stealthy rescue mission that is elevated rather well following the immediate death of Fitzroy. 

Lastly, and something I haven’t scene from the Russo’s before is there use of music to tell a compelling story (or just upgrade a scene), ranging from The Black Keys, Brenton Wood, and, my personal favorite, Mark Lindsay’s Silver Bird, which is used to beautiful perfection. Small addition but one I really loved seeing. 

We get a terrific cast as well, starring Alfre Woodard, Dhanush, Jessica Henwick, Billy Bob Thornton, Regé-Jean Page, Julia Butters, Ana De Armas, Chris Evans, and Ryan Gostling. Gostling is spectacularly relatable, never really phased, just exhausted, crafting a sarcastic and physical foil to Evans, who is clearly having the time of his life playing the douchy, anti-Captain America. 

The Gray Man, directed by the Russo Brothers, delivers on the idea of a stylistic Winter Soldier, utilizing its cast wonderfully to craft a film that is beautifully shot, charismatic, and highly entertaining on all fronts. Can’t wait to see what they pump out of the series next!

8.8/10