Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The Gray Man,adapted from the 2009 novel of the same name, pits CIA Operative and assassin Sierra Six (Ryan Gosling) against his sadistic former colleague, Lloyd (Chris Evans) in a high octane, spy vs spy adrenaline dump that spans the globe. Six is recruited out of prison; his sentence is over turned and he can be a free man (well, sort of). All he has to do is whatever the CIA tells him. But when one mission goes awry and Six finds himself in possession of a mysterious file that could unveil some very dark and damning secrets, he’s hunted down by the very people who employed him.
If that sounds like a typical, by the numbers premise for an espionage thriller, that’s because it is.The Gray Manis many,manythings, but original, is not one of them. The entirety of its plot revolves around itsMcGuffin. A McGuffin is a device that drives the story. It’s necessary to propel the character’s motivations and allow the story to unfold, but on its own is seemingly insignificant. Here, as in most spy thrillers, the McGuffin is that drive full of secrets.
The Russo Brothers are best known for their work in the MCU. A poll of any number of Marvel fans will likely put their four directorial efforts within the shared universe at the top of the ranking. However, it’s their work outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that has struggled to achieve that same level of awe inspiring spectacle. The Russo’s have a very specific style of action. It’s frenetic, fast paced and involves significant stunt work. Perhaps that level of over the top mayhem and destruction just better lends itself to the world super powered beings.
The strongest thing thatThe Gray Manhas going for it, is its all star cast. Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Chris Evans and Billie Bob Thornton light up the screen brighter than any of the on screen explosives. But even Gosling’s charm can’t elevate this film to the heights it aspires to be. The decisions and actions of its characters are often non sensical, the CGI is often questionable and the computer drive full of secrets is a trite and overused McGuffin within the genre. In the end,The Gray Manfeels like that guy at the party who won’t stop talking, but doesn’t really have anything to say. He’s just drunk.
The Gray Mandelivers on its promise of exhilaration, pulse pounding punches and death defying stunts, but those moments only act as the outer shell struggling to keep the movie intact. Inside,The Gray Manis a hollow vessel, void of any real substance or originality. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t massively impressed by the perfectly manicured mustache Chris Evan’s sports throughout the film. If only the rest of the movie was as well polished and trimmed as that. 6/10
Follow us for more entertainment coverage onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram, andYouTube.
Joshua Ryan
Lead Film & TV Critics Editor
Articles Published :322
Born and raised in Central Florida, Joshua Ryan has harbored a love for cinema since the earliest years of his childhood. Through endless hours of watching Turner Classic Movies, especially the works of Alfred Hitchcock, his passion for film and film criticism grew. As an adult, he channeled that passion into a career as the editor and lead critic of FandomWire’s film and television department.
More from Joshua Ryan
Americana Review – Heart, Humor, Bloodshed, and Grit
Peacemaker Season 2 Review – A Wild Ride of Violence and Vulnerability
Night Always Comes Review – A Thrilling Descent into Darkness
Recommended
Is Grace Ashcroft’s Mother Alyssa Alive in Resident Evil 9?
The Pirate: Jason Momoa and David Leitch’s Next Movie Is Inspired by The Best Action Movie of 2010s
Top 5 Fan-Favorite Batman Movie References In LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Darkness Trailer
Black Myth Zhong Kui, Explained: Who He Is in Chinese Mythology?
NYT Mini Crossword Solution For Today (June 06, 2025)
Ghost of Yotei Legends: What Can You Expect From The Free DLC?
Anthony RussoJoe RussoNetflixRusso Bros.The Gray Man
