Pros: This was a truly solid film that kept my attention, no small feat these days. Glen Powell finally has a great leading man role and he takes full advantage of it (which is good, considering he co-wrote the screenplay). The leading man shows incredible range and the plot is also fascinating as he goes from intelligent, mild-mannered and ultimately boring. He's an avid birder and has two cats (that only makes him more attractive to me) and then, his side hustle goes sideways. He starts to go undercover as a hitman, getting people to confess and recording the whole thing, his arrest record is through the roof, until he meets Madison Figueroa Masters ( Adria Arjona) whom he gradually falls in love with. While never said, it is obvious her husband is controlling and potentially abusive but this it is this relationship that threatens to unravel everything.
Cons: The confrontation scene is a bit oddly staged and adds a weird comedic moment to this film. And while this is based on a true story, the actual Gary Johnson was born in the late 40s but they pulled this film into modern times; still, this are only minor problems.
Recommend: Yes
Grade: B+
Side Notes:
-This film had a happy ending and actual epilogue which I love.
-Unlike a lot of films, the supporting cast is thin though Retta is a standout, as she always brings it. The screenplay carries this film, not the cast, though the leads are great.
-Gary eventually becomes a dog person.
-I wonder what his workout routine is as you never see it, just him feeding his cats and eating alone, not even in front of the TV.
-Seeing three pileated woodpeckers at once is literally my mother's dream.
-All pie is good pie.
