The great Richard Linklater returns with this action comedy that he co-wrote with its star, Glen Powell. Powell plays Gary Johnson, a teacher who works part time undercover with the Houston police because of his knowledge of electronics is useful for wire taps and such. In an emergency he has to pose as a hit man to trap someone and finds he has a skill for it.
This breezy supposed true story is a great showcase for Powell. He is great in all his disguises he employs in various sting operations and he has nice chemistry with Adria Arjona who plays a woman who he persuades not to hire him and who he secretly starts dating.
The plot gallops along in Linklater’s assured hands, with enough twists to keep it interesting but not so many that it becomes silly. The cast all do a fine job though I would like to have seen more of Molly Bernard as Gary’s ex-wife.
The ending is a little too neat but this is a pleasure to watch.
Hit Man is in cinemas now and will be on Netflix 7 June.
Rating: 8 out of 10