Slice yourself a healthy serving of pie and get ready to go undercover. Richard Linklater’s comedy Hit Man is coming to Netflix, and you can see the brand-new trailer above. “Who is your hit man?” the trailer asks. Time to find out.
Co-written by and starring Glen Powell, Hit Man belongs to a bundle of genres: noir, screwball comedy, thriller. But at heart, Linklater told Netflix, it’s very simple: “Ultimately, it’s a relationship movie.” The sparks between fake hit man Gary Johnson (Powell) and prospective client Madison (Adria Arjona) fly immediately — until layers upon layers of deceit turn their budding romance upside down.
Read on for your top-secret briefing on the story of Hit Man.
Inspired by an unbelievable true story, a straight-laced professor discovers he has a hidden talent as a fake hit man. He meets his match in a client who...
Co-written by and starring Glen Powell, Hit Man belongs to a bundle of genres: noir, screwball comedy, thriller. But at heart, Linklater told Netflix, it’s very simple: “Ultimately, it’s a relationship movie.” The sparks between fake hit man Gary Johnson (Powell) and prospective client Madison (Adria Arjona) fly immediately — until layers upon layers of deceit turn their budding romance upside down.
Read on for your top-secret briefing on the story of Hit Man.
Inspired by an unbelievable true story, a straight-laced professor discovers he has a hidden talent as a fake hit man. He meets his match in a client who...
- 6/12/2024
- by John DiLillo
- Tudum - Netflix
Netflix’s US Top is now blown up by Glen Powell’s new romantic action comedy that earned an almost perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, 97%. However, its lead has a lot of must-watches in his filmography, and we don’t even mean Anyone But You.
Here are 5 of Powell’s movies rated 80% or higher on Rt and available on Netflix.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) — 96% on Rt
First comes a sequel to Tom Cruise’s trademark action that follows a pilot confronting his past while training a group of younger Top Gun graduates. Powell here portrays a strong-willed lieutenant who doesn't like to slow down if others can't keep up with him.
Set It Up (2018) — 92% on Rt
Here is a lesser-known film starring Powell. Just like Anyone But You, it’s a romcom, but this time it centers on two overworked employees who decide to force their bosses to fall in love, and...
Here are 5 of Powell’s movies rated 80% or higher on Rt and available on Netflix.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) — 96% on Rt
First comes a sequel to Tom Cruise’s trademark action that follows a pilot confronting his past while training a group of younger Top Gun graduates. Powell here portrays a strong-willed lieutenant who doesn't like to slow down if others can't keep up with him.
Set It Up (2018) — 92% on Rt
Here is a lesser-known film starring Powell. Just like Anyone But You, it’s a romcom, but this time it centers on two overworked employees who decide to force their bosses to fall in love, and...
- 6/12/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
“The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer” marks the English-language debut of Turkish director Tolga Karaçelik. Its initial premise, about an unhappily married couple, morphs and flips on its head until it transforms into something resembling the movie’s title, though it’s only about “a writer writing about a serial killer” in the most nominal sense. That one element gives way to an even more amusing conceit, involving crossed-wires and mistaken identities, but its wires continue to cross, until the movie mutates beyond recognition, refusing to stick to any one idea for longer than a couple of scenes.
John Magaro plays Keane, a meek but self-absorbed novelist who refuses to admit (or even recognize) that his marriage is on the rocks. His wife Suzie (Britt Lower) initially comes off as heartless and cold in her admonishment of him and in her demands for a divorce.
John Magaro plays Keane, a meek but self-absorbed novelist who refuses to admit (or even recognize) that his marriage is on the rocks. His wife Suzie (Britt Lower) initially comes off as heartless and cold in her admonishment of him and in her demands for a divorce.
- 6/12/2024
- by Siddhant Adlakha
- Variety Film + TV
We’re not making this true story up: “Baby Reindeer” has officially booted “The Witcher” from Netflix’s Most Popular TV (English) list.
The Richard Gadd limited series has amassed 84.5 million views globally since its release on April 11. Season 1 of “The Witcher” snagged 83 million views over its first 91 days of availability, which is Netflix’s cutoff for the all-time Top 10 list. “Baby Reindeer” has about a month left, so expect it to climb higher in the ranks. “Bridgerton: Season 2,” “Stranger Things 3,” “Fool Me Once,” and “The Night Agent”: Donny and Martha are coming for you.
Yet “Baby Reindeer” is no longer making Netflix’s weekly Top 10. Just last week it spent its eighth week on the Top 10 weekly list, clocking in at No. 10, while “Bridgerton: Season 2” has spent a whopping 19 weeks in the Top 10 as the third season of “Bridgerton” has inspired a lot of rewatches.
On the film side,...
The Richard Gadd limited series has amassed 84.5 million views globally since its release on April 11. Season 1 of “The Witcher” snagged 83 million views over its first 91 days of availability, which is Netflix’s cutoff for the all-time Top 10 list. “Baby Reindeer” has about a month left, so expect it to climb higher in the ranks. “Bridgerton: Season 2,” “Stranger Things 3,” “Fool Me Once,” and “The Night Agent”: Donny and Martha are coming for you.
Yet “Baby Reindeer” is no longer making Netflix’s weekly Top 10. Just last week it spent its eighth week on the Top 10 weekly list, clocking in at No. 10, while “Bridgerton: Season 2” has spent a whopping 19 weeks in the Top 10 as the third season of “Bridgerton” has inspired a lot of rewatches.
On the film side,...
- 6/11/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Hits from the weekend
Streaming movies and shows made up the majority of the top five titles this past weekend, based on traffic to their IMDb pages. That’s thanks to a trio of Netflix titles and the new Star Wars series, “The Acolyte.” In theaters, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s fourth installment in the Bad Boys franchise delivered Hollywood a much-needed box office win, while ‘The Watchers’—the mystery-horror film starring Dakota Fanning—drew enough interest to land in the top 10.
By the time ‘Hit Man’ dropped on Netflix, movie fans were probably well aware of who Glen Powell was, but the popularity of the comedic action film brought more IMDb users’ attention to co-star Adria Arjona and director Richard Linklater. If Arjona looked familiar to viewers, it’s likely from several supporting roles in other streaming hits like “Good Omens,” “Andor,” and ‘6 Underground’ with Ryan Reynolds.
It’s not often that directors crack the top five (or even top 10) names on IMDb, but viewers were clearly interested to know more about Richard Linklater, the versatile and irreverent director of indie films like ‘Slacker’ and ‘Dazed and Confused,’ who also found mainstream recognition with ‘School of Rock.’
Also big on Netflix were the French killer shark movie ‘Under Paris’ and the Benedict Cumberbatch miniseries “Eric,” which released all six episodes two weeks ago. Elsewhere in streaming, “The Acolyte” has had no trouble finding its audience on Disney+. According to Disney, the show drew 4.8 million viewers on its first day, making it the streamer’s biggest hit of 2024 to date. Amandla Stenberg and Dafne Keen were in the top five names on IMDb, and both will likely remain popular through the show’s first season, which ends on July 16.
What’s in store for the coming week?
Expect next weekend to be all about “The Boys,” the raunchy comic book adaptation from showrunner Eric Kripke. The first three episodes of Season 4 arrive Thursday (6/13) on Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Returning cast members Karl Urban, Antony Starr, and Erin Moriarty will likely climb IMDb’s STARmeter, but a few new supes on the scene could put some breakouts in the spotlight, such as Valorie Curry (playing Firecracker) or Susan Heyward (as Sister Sage).
In theaters, Disney and Pixar’s animated ‘Inside Out 2’ is a shoo-in to win next weekend’s box office, though it may not have the same interest on IMDb as the streaming releases. The original voice cast of emotions are returning, but it’s more likely one of the newcomers will spike in popularity, like Maya Hawke (“Stranger Things”) as Anxiety, Ayo Edibiri (“The Bear”) as Envy, or Paul Walter Houser (‘I, Tonya,’ ‘Richard Jewell’) as Embarrassment.
Streaming movies and shows made up the majority of the top five titles this past weekend, based on traffic to their IMDb pages. That’s thanks to a trio of Netflix titles and the new Star Wars series, “The Acolyte.” In theaters, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s fourth installment in the Bad Boys franchise delivered Hollywood a much-needed box office win, while ‘The Watchers’—the mystery-horror film starring Dakota Fanning—drew enough interest to land in the top 10.
By the time ‘Hit Man’ dropped on Netflix, movie fans were probably well aware of who Glen Powell was, but the popularity of the comedic action film brought more IMDb users’ attention to co-star Adria Arjona and director Richard Linklater. If Arjona looked familiar to viewers, it’s likely from several supporting roles in other streaming hits like “Good Omens,” “Andor,” and ‘6 Underground’ with Ryan Reynolds.
It’s not often that directors crack the top five (or even top 10) names on IMDb, but viewers were clearly interested to know more about Richard Linklater, the versatile and irreverent director of indie films like ‘Slacker’ and ‘Dazed and Confused,’ who also found mainstream recognition with ‘School of Rock.’
Also big on Netflix were the French killer shark movie ‘Under Paris’ and the Benedict Cumberbatch miniseries “Eric,” which released all six episodes two weeks ago. Elsewhere in streaming, “The Acolyte” has had no trouble finding its audience on Disney+. According to Disney, the show drew 4.8 million viewers on its first day, making it the streamer’s biggest hit of 2024 to date. Amandla Stenberg and Dafne Keen were in the top five names on IMDb, and both will likely remain popular through the show’s first season, which ends on July 16.
What’s in store for the coming week?
Expect next weekend to be all about “The Boys,” the raunchy comic book adaptation from showrunner Eric Kripke. The first three episodes of Season 4 arrive Thursday (6/13) on Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Returning cast members Karl Urban, Antony Starr, and Erin Moriarty will likely climb IMDb’s STARmeter, but a few new supes on the scene could put some breakouts in the spotlight, such as Valorie Curry (playing Firecracker) or Susan Heyward (as Sister Sage).
In theaters, Disney and Pixar’s animated ‘Inside Out 2’ is a shoo-in to win next weekend’s box office, though it may not have the same interest on IMDb as the streaming releases. The original voice cast of emotions are returning, but it’s more likely one of the newcomers will spike in popularity, like Maya Hawke (“Stranger Things”) as Anxiety, Ayo Edibiri (“The Bear”) as Envy, or Paul Walter Houser (‘I, Tonya,’ ‘Richard Jewell’) as Embarrassment.
- 6/11/2024
- by IMDb Editors
- IMDb News
The Tim Burton and Johnny Depp collaborations are certainly prolific. While Depp was a teen star on the Fox series 21 Jump Street, he had a weird creative force inside of him that a high school cop series didn’t fulfill. Then came a new movie called Edward Scissorhands that paired Depp with his long-time director friend. Deadline reports that Depp is being featured in a new docu-series that’s a retrospective on the career of Tim Burton, and the actor reveals who he beat out for the part of Edward.
According to People, Depp said the competition was stiff for the titular character and names like Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise and even the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, were being considered for the role. Depp explained that Cruise “was not far away from actually playing Edward Scissorhands — true story.” Depp admitted to thinking, “He’s never going to cast...
According to People, Depp said the competition was stiff for the titular character and names like Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise and even the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, were being considered for the role. Depp explained that Cruise “was not far away from actually playing Edward Scissorhands — true story.” Depp admitted to thinking, “He’s never going to cast...
- 6/11/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Something normal happened at Netflix. “Hit Man,” a well-reviewed film from a top director (Richard Linklater) and a hot star (Glen Powell) in an audience-friendly action title, debuted as #1 on the streamer’s top 10 movie list.
Something very weird happened at the same time. “Godzilla Minus One,” which had a long-delayed appearance in home formats, made it to #1 both at Netflix and on VOD ($5.99 rental) in its first week. By week two, it fell to #6 at Netflix, while dropping from the top spot at iTunes to #7.
Netflix acquired “Hit Man” for $20 million last year when it premiered at Venice and Toronto to great interest. Reviewed (82 Metacritic) at the level or ahead of most of the streamer’s late-year awards-bait films, the action comedy about a moonlighting professor working undercover for New Orleans police has been #1 for the last three days. Unlike most Netflix originals, does it have staying power?
We...
Something very weird happened at the same time. “Godzilla Minus One,” which had a long-delayed appearance in home formats, made it to #1 both at Netflix and on VOD ($5.99 rental) in its first week. By week two, it fell to #6 at Netflix, while dropping from the top spot at iTunes to #7.
Netflix acquired “Hit Man” for $20 million last year when it premiered at Venice and Toronto to great interest. Reviewed (82 Metacritic) at the level or ahead of most of the streamer’s late-year awards-bait films, the action comedy about a moonlighting professor working undercover for New Orleans police has been #1 for the last three days. Unlike most Netflix originals, does it have staying power?
We...
- 6/11/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
It’s been only several days since Netflix dropped its brand new romantic action comedy Hit Man, starring Anyone But You’s Glen Powell, and the movie has been quick to demonstrate impressive results not only with its audience.
Apart from all the praise it got from professional critics, Hit Man received a big portion of attention from the streaming’s subscribers. According to the most recent data from FlixPatrol, the movie is now holding a number one position in Netflix’s American top 10 chart.
What Is Hit Man About?
Directed by Oscar nominee Richard Linklater, Hit Man follows seemingly harmless professor Gary Johnson who, as soon as the night falls, turns into a fake hitman for the New Orleans Police Department. Having no trouble with adopting all kinds of different looks and personalities, Gary embarks on a new case which leads him to a potentially criminal, yet very beautiful young woman named Madison.
Apart from all the praise it got from professional critics, Hit Man received a big portion of attention from the streaming’s subscribers. According to the most recent data from FlixPatrol, the movie is now holding a number one position in Netflix’s American top 10 chart.
What Is Hit Man About?
Directed by Oscar nominee Richard Linklater, Hit Man follows seemingly harmless professor Gary Johnson who, as soon as the night falls, turns into a fake hitman for the New Orleans Police Department. Having no trouble with adopting all kinds of different looks and personalities, Gary embarks on a new case which leads him to a potentially criminal, yet very beautiful young woman named Madison.
- 6/11/2024
- by benjamin-patel@startefacts.com (Benjamin Patel)
- STartefacts.com
It has been a high-profile 12 months for Mediawan Kids & Family thanks to subsidiary Method Animation’s involvement in the Ladybug & Cat Noir franchise, which has been enjoying box office success worldwide with a first feature film adaptation.
The IP, which was first developed as a series in 2015, is now under the umbrella of recently launched entity Miraculous Corp, a joint venture between co-creator Jeremy Zag’s company Zag and Mediawan Kids & Family parent group Mediawan.
This means that Method Animation is no longer involved in the franchise but Mediawan Kids & Family President Julien Borde says his division is busy developing and producing a raft of animated content, he believes has similar franchise potential.
“It’s one of the most successful independent franchises in the world and a fantastic success story,” he comments on Ladybug & Cat Noir.
“It inspires us to do the same thing with the projects we’re...
The IP, which was first developed as a series in 2015, is now under the umbrella of recently launched entity Miraculous Corp, a joint venture between co-creator Jeremy Zag’s company Zag and Mediawan Kids & Family parent group Mediawan.
This means that Method Animation is no longer involved in the franchise but Mediawan Kids & Family President Julien Borde says his division is busy developing and producing a raft of animated content, he believes has similar franchise potential.
“It’s one of the most successful independent franchises in the world and a fantastic success story,” he comments on Ladybug & Cat Noir.
“It inspires us to do the same thing with the projects we’re...
- 6/11/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Mediawan Kids & Family is unveiling a raft of prestige animated feature projects at the Annecy Film Festival, including “Meow-woof” by Louis Clichy (“Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion”) and “Twisted” by Lino Disalvo (“Playmobil”).
Emmanuel Jacomet, who worked for over a decade alongside Aton Soumache and Dimitri Rassam on high profile IP’s such as “The Little Prince,” “Miraculous Ladybug” and “Playmobil,” took over the film division of Mediawan Kids & Family under a year ago with the ambition to develop a mix of mainstream franchise-based projects and auteur-driven 2D titles.
The executive, who lived in Los Angeles for a number of years, said also he aims at bringing together European and American talent and sensibilities on projects that are personal, yet boast an international appeal. Many of the filmmakers in business with the banner have a dual culture. Clichy, for instance, is French but previously worked for Pixar...
Emmanuel Jacomet, who worked for over a decade alongside Aton Soumache and Dimitri Rassam on high profile IP’s such as “The Little Prince,” “Miraculous Ladybug” and “Playmobil,” took over the film division of Mediawan Kids & Family under a year ago with the ambition to develop a mix of mainstream franchise-based projects and auteur-driven 2D titles.
The executive, who lived in Los Angeles for a number of years, said also he aims at bringing together European and American talent and sensibilities on projects that are personal, yet boast an international appeal. Many of the filmmakers in business with the banner have a dual culture. Clichy, for instance, is French but previously worked for Pixar...
- 6/11/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
It’s a romantic comedy thriller with winning performances from Glen Powell and Adria Arjona. But isn’t there also darkness in Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, Ryan wonders…?
Nb: The following contains spoilers for Hit Man and 2005’s A History Of Violence.
As two lovers gaze into one another’s eyes, solemnly devoting their lives to one another, the body of a man lies on the floor. There’s a plastic bag over his head, and he’s fighting for breath. In a few seconds, the man will be dead and the lovers will kiss.
It’s a bold, extraordinarily dark turning point in an otherwise glossy romantic comedy-thriller.
Did Richard Linklater and Glen Powell consciously set out to make a subversive rom-com with Hit Man? Quite possibly. Whatever their intentions, the film has certainly resonated. Directed with vim by Linklater and given plenty of smiling charisma by Powell and co-star Adria Arjona,...
Nb: The following contains spoilers for Hit Man and 2005’s A History Of Violence.
As two lovers gaze into one another’s eyes, solemnly devoting their lives to one another, the body of a man lies on the floor. There’s a plastic bag over his head, and he’s fighting for breath. In a few seconds, the man will be dead and the lovers will kiss.
It’s a bold, extraordinarily dark turning point in an otherwise glossy romantic comedy-thriller.
Did Richard Linklater and Glen Powell consciously set out to make a subversive rom-com with Hit Man? Quite possibly. Whatever their intentions, the film has certainly resonated. Directed with vim by Linklater and given plenty of smiling charisma by Powell and co-star Adria Arjona,...
- 6/11/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
There’s maybe no major auteur in cinema as unassuming as Richard Linklater. A Houston, Texas born film nerd who got his start making DIY, low-budget films around Austin, Linklater has maintained the scrappy, laidback vibe of his first feature even as his prestige has risen and his budgets have grown. The average Linklater film unfolds with a careful sense of effortlessness, loosely moving through vignettes with a keen naturalistic flow.
That’s not to say Linklater is an unambitious filmmaker; far from it. This is a man who took a seemingly small one day romance film in “Before Sunrise” and created an ambitious 20-year trilogy out of it, using the love story of Jesse and Céline as a canvas upon which to explore ideas of aging, growth, and the cruel passage of time. With “Boyhood,” he took a completely new approach to the classic coming-of-age narrative by shooting on...
That’s not to say Linklater is an unambitious filmmaker; far from it. This is a man who took a seemingly small one day romance film in “Before Sunrise” and created an ambitious 20-year trilogy out of it, using the love story of Jesse and Céline as a canvas upon which to explore ideas of aging, growth, and the cruel passage of time. With “Boyhood,” he took a completely new approach to the classic coming-of-age narrative by shooting on...
- 6/11/2024
- by Wilson Chapman and Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
[Editor’s note: The following essay contains spoilers for both “Hit Man” and “The Dark Corner”]
It’s always been clear from watching Richard Linklater films that the auteur — who rose to fame during the independent film movement of the ‘90s and stands as one of the modern masters of American cinema — is fascinated by time. Not just the practical application of it, nor just the passage, but the true essence of it. How does one capture childhood? What about the teen years and college? What does it look like to compress these into one vs. focusing in on one moment? These are questions Linklater has answered, but a question the audience should be asking in return is why does Linklater use his films to make these studies?
I believe the answer lies in the history of film itself and what it has given Linklater, in terms of inspiration and influence, but also in terms of how the art form...
It’s always been clear from watching Richard Linklater films that the auteur — who rose to fame during the independent film movement of the ‘90s and stands as one of the modern masters of American cinema — is fascinated by time. Not just the practical application of it, nor just the passage, but the true essence of it. How does one capture childhood? What about the teen years and college? What does it look like to compress these into one vs. focusing in on one moment? These are questions Linklater has answered, but a question the audience should be asking in return is why does Linklater use his films to make these studies?
I believe the answer lies in the history of film itself and what it has given Linklater, in terms of inspiration and influence, but also in terms of how the art form...
- 6/10/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Austin, Texas – May 15: Glen Powell attends Netflix’s Austin premiere of “Hit Man” at The Paramount Theatre on May 15, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for Netflix) So far, the new film Hit Man has earned excellent reviews — its Rotten Tomatoes score is 97% — while walking a fine line between comedy, action, crime drama, and romance. The movie stars Glen Powell, who co-wrote the screenplay with director Richard Linklater, The script is based on a magazine article about a real person who did part time undercover police work, posing as a master hit man. While Powell plays the role on the screen, he said he intentionally kept his distance from his real-life counterpart, instead letting Linklater get to know him as they put the screenplay together.(Click on the media bar below to hear Glen Powell) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Glen_Powell_The_Hit_Man...
- 6/10/2024
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
On Tuesday June 11, The Jennifer Hudson Show welcomes Retta, an actress and comedian known for her roles in “Parks and Recreation” and “Good Girls.” Retta will be discussing her new movie, “Hit Man,” a romantic comedy directed by Richard Linklater. The film is inspired by an unbelievable true story about a college professor who […]
The Jennifer Hudson Show: Retta, Samuel Evans and Tateona Adams...
The Jennifer Hudson Show: Retta, Samuel Evans and Tateona Adams...
- 6/10/2024
- by Riley Avery
- MemorableTV
2024 is turning out to be a fresh breath of year for films, as it appears, mainstream Hollywood might be once again leaning towards original releases. From Challengers to Civil War, we’ve witnessed some exciting original releases in the past few months, and Glen Powell’s new action comedy Hit Man is the new addition to this summer’s slate.
Sitting at a whopping 97% on the Tomatometer, the film has further added to Powell’s reputation as the next big thing in Hollywood, but making this film a reality was a bumpy ride for its creator.
Studios Weren’t Keen on Betting on an Original Idea
A still from Hit Man | Credit: Netflix
Since the rise of big-budget blockbusters, mainstream Hollywood has strayed away from investing in original ideas, as most execs prefer banking on familiar ideas. So when director Richard Linklater and his Fast Food Nation colleague Glen Powell,...
Sitting at a whopping 97% on the Tomatometer, the film has further added to Powell’s reputation as the next big thing in Hollywood, but making this film a reality was a bumpy ride for its creator.
Studios Weren’t Keen on Betting on an Original Idea
A still from Hit Man | Credit: Netflix
Since the rise of big-budget blockbusters, mainstream Hollywood has strayed away from investing in original ideas, as most execs prefer banking on familiar ideas. So when director Richard Linklater and his Fast Food Nation colleague Glen Powell,...
- 6/10/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
As of this writing, a Richard Linklater film holds the number one spot on Netflix's Top 10 chart. Considering the genre-spanning nature of the writer/director's versatile career, this outcome wasn't necessarily a given, but according to FlixPatrol, a site that tracks the popularity of titles on streaming services, "Hit Man" debuted this past Friday and has been number one in the U.S. every day since.
Linklater might be the best director in the country at making pure hang-out movies. He excels at crafting compelling characters, dropping them into easy-going situations, and giving the audience the experience of spending a couple of hours with them as they amble through international cities (the "Before" trilogy), experience the ups and downs of growing up ("Boyhood"), make their way through the last day of school ("Dazed and Confused"), or get to know their college baseball teammates ("Everybody Wants Some!!"). "Hit Man" has...
Linklater might be the best director in the country at making pure hang-out movies. He excels at crafting compelling characters, dropping them into easy-going situations, and giving the audience the experience of spending a couple of hours with them as they amble through international cities (the "Before" trilogy), experience the ups and downs of growing up ("Boyhood"), make their way through the last day of school ("Dazed and Confused"), or get to know their college baseball teammates ("Everybody Wants Some!!"). "Hit Man" has...
- 6/10/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
It’s a “Hot Glen Summer” at the movies.
Just like the immortal words of Megan Thee Stallion, who’s billed every summer since 2019 the perfect time to do “hot girl shit,” Glen Powell is heating up movie screens. Summer 2024 firmly establishes him as a power player with Netflix’s “Hit Man,” the Prime Video documentary “The Blue Angels” and Universal “Twisters” dropping in rapid succession.
In the words of Retta — who first met Powell on the 2014 indie rom-com “Sex Ed” before they reunited for “Hit Man” — “Homie is a straight up movie star.”
“This is the summer of Glen,” director Richard Linklater concurs. “They’re all ‘Johnny come lately’ to the Glen Powell thing. Anybody who’s known Glen for the last 10-plus years knows that he’s a star. He’s smart. He’s funny. He’s hard working.”
Like Retta, Linklater has had a front row seat to the actor’s glow-up,...
Just like the immortal words of Megan Thee Stallion, who’s billed every summer since 2019 the perfect time to do “hot girl shit,” Glen Powell is heating up movie screens. Summer 2024 firmly establishes him as a power player with Netflix’s “Hit Man,” the Prime Video documentary “The Blue Angels” and Universal “Twisters” dropping in rapid succession.
In the words of Retta — who first met Powell on the 2014 indie rom-com “Sex Ed” before they reunited for “Hit Man” — “Homie is a straight up movie star.”
“This is the summer of Glen,” director Richard Linklater concurs. “They’re all ‘Johnny come lately’ to the Glen Powell thing. Anybody who’s known Glen for the last 10-plus years knows that he’s a star. He’s smart. He’s funny. He’s hard working.”
Like Retta, Linklater has had a front row seat to the actor’s glow-up,...
- 6/10/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
[Editor’s note: The following article contains spoilers for the ending of “Hit Man.”]
“Hit Man” debuted on Netflix as #1 on its most-watched list, which means the ending may have shocked millions of people this weekend. After all, it’s not exactly a staple of the romantic comedy that the couple the audience is rooting for kills a cop in order to be together. But that’s “Hit Man,” a film that cross-pollinates a sexy screwball comedy with a noir like “Double Indemnity.”
The film is sort-of based on a true story, although the real Gary Johnson (Glen Powell) didn’t kill anyone. However, director Richard Linklater told IndieWire that once he and Powell (they co-wrote the screenplay) came up with that ending, it was never really questioned.
“I think the ending has to be inevitable,” said Linklater. “And it’s kind of the thesis of the movie.”
As the end credits detail, the real-life Johnson did work with the police and...
“Hit Man” debuted on Netflix as #1 on its most-watched list, which means the ending may have shocked millions of people this weekend. After all, it’s not exactly a staple of the romantic comedy that the couple the audience is rooting for kills a cop in order to be together. But that’s “Hit Man,” a film that cross-pollinates a sexy screwball comedy with a noir like “Double Indemnity.”
The film is sort-of based on a true story, although the real Gary Johnson (Glen Powell) didn’t kill anyone. However, director Richard Linklater told IndieWire that once he and Powell (they co-wrote the screenplay) came up with that ending, it was never really questioned.
“I think the ending has to be inevitable,” said Linklater. “And it’s kind of the thesis of the movie.”
As the end credits detail, the real-life Johnson did work with the police and...
- 6/10/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
If you’re a fan of Hit Man on Netflix, then you should definitely check out these stellar films starring Glen Powell. Here’s a curated list of five must-watch movies featuring this versatile actor who has worked with notable directors like Richard Linklater and starred alongside Hollywood icons. A Remarkable Friendship in Red Wing Fans of Hit Man should not miss Glen Powell in Red Wing, a movie that transcends romantic drama. This film is significant for Powell as he shared the screen with the beloved Bill Paxton. David Harrod fondly remembers Paxton: Bill was, as a person, probably just one...
- 6/10/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Why doesn’t Netflix make movies like Hit Man anymore? Directed by Richard Linklater, known for classics like School of Rock and Boyhood, this new comedy is a breath of fresh air in today’s film landscape. A Wild Plot That Thrills Hit Man stars Glen Powell as a philosophy professor turned pretend-assassin in police sting operations. The movie takes a turn when Adria Arjona’s character, a domestic abuse victim, attempts to hire him to kill her husband. This leads them into a deeply complex and morally grey relationship. A Cast That Delivers The film sees Powell shape-shifting into his role with...
- 6/10/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Adria Arjona felt that her contributions to 'Hit Man' were valued.The 32-year-old star features opposite Glen Powell in the romantic action comedy and praised director Richard Linklater for taking her creative input into account.Speaking to The New York Times newspaper, Adria said: "I'd never worked with Rick, but I've always loved how actors in his movies had all this beautiful, philosophical, intellectual, banter that felt improvised. And then I met Rick, and he hates improv."Every decision is made in a rehearsal, so once you get to set it makes the process a lot more fun. He really made me believe my ideas were important – that I had good ideas – and a lot of them ended up in the movie."Adria was also grateful that her thoughts on the intimate scenes between her character Madison Masters and Powell's alter ego Gary Johnson were considered by the crew.
- 6/10/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
“Hit Man” director Richard Linklater knew Glen Powell was a movie star the moment the young actor, with no profile, walked in to audition for “Everybody Wants Some” almost a decade ago. Linklater explained what makes the Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio movie stars go beyond their good looks and acting ability, but their charisma and how we are drawn to them.
“You look at Brad Pitt, ‘Oh, I want to hang out with him,’” said Linklater. “They attract you, you’ll follow them somewhere. You want to be wherever, whatever they’re doing. Some personalities have that quality, most don’t… Glen does.”
Linklater would need every ounce of Powell’s star power to pull off “Hit Man,” a sexy screwball comedy in which the audience is rooting for Madison (Adria Arjona) and Powell’s Ron to be together, but who do some questionable things to get their happy ending.
“You look at Brad Pitt, ‘Oh, I want to hang out with him,’” said Linklater. “They attract you, you’ll follow them somewhere. You want to be wherever, whatever they’re doing. Some personalities have that quality, most don’t… Glen does.”
Linklater would need every ounce of Powell’s star power to pull off “Hit Man,” a sexy screwball comedy in which the audience is rooting for Madison (Adria Arjona) and Powell’s Ron to be together, but who do some questionable things to get their happy ending.
- 6/9/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Hollywood star Glen Powell’s recent career graph seems to be an indicator that the actor could become the next big superstar in the industry. With his charismatic performance in Tom Cruise’s blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick and his sizzling pairing with Sydney Sweeney in the hit romantic comedy Anyone But You, Powell is slowly but surely working his way to becoming one of Hollywood’s heartthrobs.
Glen Powell in Top Gun: Maverick ( image credit: Paramount Pictures)
The actor’s most recent film Hit Man which is currently streaming on Netflix, is already proving that his good looks is matched by a genuine talent. In many scenes from this action comedy in which Powell has showcased his talent in abundance, fans of the actor are praising the celebrity for his brilliant ability to perfectly mimic iconic Hollywood characters made famous by renowned superstars.
Fans Were Stunned By Glen Powell’s...
Glen Powell in Top Gun: Maverick ( image credit: Paramount Pictures)
The actor’s most recent film Hit Man which is currently streaming on Netflix, is already proving that his good looks is matched by a genuine talent. In many scenes from this action comedy in which Powell has showcased his talent in abundance, fans of the actor are praising the celebrity for his brilliant ability to perfectly mimic iconic Hollywood characters made famous by renowned superstars.
Fans Were Stunned By Glen Powell’s...
- 6/9/2024
- by Sharanya Sankar
- FandomWire
Netflix and Richard Linklater certainly make for peculiar bedfellows. Where every other Netflix exclusive feels like it was concocted by an algorithm and designed to have maximum appeal, Linklater has been perfectly happy to direct films for a niche market these past 30-plus years. Even at his most commercial, with a film like "School of Rock," you get the sense the eccentric Texan auteur is making movies that speaks to his interests first and foremost.
Yet, somehow, Linklater has now found himself releasing back-to-back films for the streaming giant. The first of them, 2022's "Apollo 10 1⁄2: A Space Age Childhood" — a rotoscope-style animated feature where segments inspired by the filmmaker's real childhood in 1960s Houston are seamlessly integrated with a fictional story about a young boy being recruited by NASA for an off-the-books space mission — reads like the opposite of what studios feel constitutes an easy sell. It plays that way,...
Yet, somehow, Linklater has now found himself releasing back-to-back films for the streaming giant. The first of them, 2022's "Apollo 10 1⁄2: A Space Age Childhood" — a rotoscope-style animated feature where segments inspired by the filmmaker's real childhood in 1960s Houston are seamlessly integrated with a fictional story about a young boy being recruited by NASA for an off-the-books space mission — reads like the opposite of what studios feel constitutes an easy sell. It plays that way,...
- 6/9/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Netflix’s new comedy Hit Man, directed by Boyhood‘s Richard Linklater, is a refreshing break from today’s cinema trends. Known for its complex themes involving American law enforcement, sex, and morally ambiguous relationships, it’s the kind of film we’re often told can’t be made in 2024. This is fully on chemistry, says Linklater about his approach, reminding us of his unique storytelling style evident in past works like School of Rock and Bernie. Why Movies Like Hit Man are Rare Today A major reason why films like Hit Man struggle to get made today lies in the changing priorities...
- 6/9/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
If you’re looking forward to catching Richard Linklater’s latest film, Hit Man, here’s everything you need to know. The movie has created quite a buzz since its debut at the Venice and Toronto film festivals in 2023, leading Netflix to secure it for a reported $20 million. A Fresh Take on the Genre-Mashup Hit Man is not your typical rom-com or crime thriller. Directed with flair by Richard Linklater, it stands out as a smart, sensual, and character-driven blend of genres. Based on a true story, it presents an engaging mix of romance, comedy, and action. Glen Powell stars as...
- 6/8/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Leonardo DiCaprio has been an A-list talk of the town ever since he starred in 1996’s Romeo + Juliet. He has only grown in his craft, morphing from a romance actor to one of the greatest talents to have ever existed in Hollywood. While such attention has always been beneficial for his career, it would seem that there was one instance where he seriously backfired.
The Beach (2000) Directed by Danny Boyle I 20th Century Fox
While the fallout was not experienced by him, DiCaprio did end up getting in between Hollywood’s most iconic duos. All because of his fame and status.
Danny Boyle and Ewan McGregor—The Great Duo of Hollywood
Long before Ewan McGregor was holding a lightsaber and Danny Boyle was getting nominated and winning Oscars, the pair were making a name for themselves together. Duos are not a new concept in Hollywood. Oftentimes, two creators fit...
The Beach (2000) Directed by Danny Boyle I 20th Century Fox
While the fallout was not experienced by him, DiCaprio did end up getting in between Hollywood’s most iconic duos. All because of his fame and status.
Danny Boyle and Ewan McGregor—The Great Duo of Hollywood
Long before Ewan McGregor was holding a lightsaber and Danny Boyle was getting nominated and winning Oscars, the pair were making a name for themselves together. Duos are not a new concept in Hollywood. Oftentimes, two creators fit...
- 6/8/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
Hit Man is a Netflix Original movie from Oscar-nominated writer and director Richard Linklater. Ahead of its release on Netflix, the movie received a limited theatrical release and quickly garnered heaps of praise from critics. The movie is led by rising star Glen Powell and is making waves in Hollywood. Hit Man follows a professor who moonlights as a hitman for his local police department. However, things soon go awry when he becomes romantically involved with a woman who has enlisted his services. Perfectly blending crime noir, comedy and suspense, the movie is gearing up to become a crime comedy...
- 6/8/2024
- by Matthew C. F
- TVovermind.com
This article contains spoilers for Hit Man.
“People are disappointed when they learn that hit men don’t really exist,” explains Gary Johnson. That might be a surprising statement given that it occurs early on in a movie called Hit Man. Throughout the film, Gary (Glen Powell) dons different disguises to meet with people who want to pay him money (or video games or boats) to kill people. But then again, it’s all a ruse, a police sting operation that mild-mannered teacher Gary does as a side gig.
As Gary explains, his job is to become the type of hitman that potential criminals imagine exists, so that he can embody that look and lure them into a state of safety. As smart as Gary certainly is, he doesn’t create these identities out of nothing. Rather he’s riffing on hired killers from pop culture history, which gives Powell...
“People are disappointed when they learn that hit men don’t really exist,” explains Gary Johnson. That might be a surprising statement given that it occurs early on in a movie called Hit Man. Throughout the film, Gary (Glen Powell) dons different disguises to meet with people who want to pay him money (or video games or boats) to kill people. But then again, it’s all a ruse, a police sting operation that mild-mannered teacher Gary does as a side gig.
As Gary explains, his job is to become the type of hitman that potential criminals imagine exists, so that he can embody that look and lure them into a state of safety. As smart as Gary certainly is, he doesn’t create these identities out of nothing. Rather he’s riffing on hired killers from pop culture history, which gives Powell...
- 6/8/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Glen Powell as Gary Johnson in Hit ManImage: Brian Roedel/Netflix
Hitmen are an essential part of the action thriller formula: Good guy tries to stop bad guy, bad guy puts out a hit on good guy, good guy dispatches the goon(s) before the final confrontation with bad guy.
Hitmen are an essential part of the action thriller formula: Good guy tries to stop bad guy, bad guy puts out a hit on good guy, good guy dispatches the goon(s) before the final confrontation with bad guy.
- 6/8/2024
- by Jen Lennon, Jim Vorel
- avclub.com
How often do you see a film that doesn’t put a foot wrong? I’m talking about Richard Linklater’s Hit Man here, which is, by far, the most exciting film that I’ve seen in recent times. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that there’s not a single dull second in this dark comedy, which is co-produced and co-written by Glenn Powell, who also aces the title role. Even though it seems like the part is tailor-made for a certain Ryan Gosling, Powell makes it his own and hits it out of the park. What further helps is his stunning chemistry with Adria Arjona, who plays Madison. While the story, which is loosely based on the life of fake hitman Gary Johnson, is not particularly hard to follow, Linklater puts a philosophical spin on it, which only enhances the whole thing. The director’s signature style of deftly written,...
- 6/8/2024
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
Glen Powell is fast coming up as Hollywood’s next big thing. After getting worldwide acclaim with his role alongside Tom Cruise in the hit Top Gun: Maverick, and starring in the sleeper hit romantic comedy with Sydney Sweeney in Anyone But You, Powell has returned to wow the audience in his latest, Hit Man.
Glen Powell as Gary Johnson in Hit Man | Netflix
Starring as a ‘hitman’, Powell also co-wrote the script. After recently making its Netflix debut, the film has received impeccable critical ratings, leaving fans in complete shock.
Glen Powell Does the Unthinkable with Hit Man
Adria Arjona and Glen Powell in Hit Man | Netflix
Glen Powell has been in the industry for quite some while now, but it has been in recent years that the actor has started showcasing his real potential. The Scream Queens star showed the zealous and determined side when he starred in...
Glen Powell as Gary Johnson in Hit Man | Netflix
Starring as a ‘hitman’, Powell also co-wrote the script. After recently making its Netflix debut, the film has received impeccable critical ratings, leaving fans in complete shock.
Glen Powell Does the Unthinkable with Hit Man
Adria Arjona and Glen Powell in Hit Man | Netflix
Glen Powell has been in the industry for quite some while now, but it has been in recent years that the actor has started showcasing his real potential. The Scream Queens star showed the zealous and determined side when he starred in...
- 6/8/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
One conversation around “Hit Man,” our movie contender to watch this week, is mostly about how it should have gotten a legitimate theatrical release and not been a streamer play for Netflix, where its impact will likely be lessened. It’s supposed to be a star turn for Glen Powell, and the type of charisma-driven indie-ish romantic comedy/thriller that people say they wish there were more of in theaters.
But what about the movie itself? Well, it’s a darkly funny based-on-a-true-story charmer, with Powell playing a mild-mannered man who has a gig posing as a hitman to entrap people in murder-for-hire plots for the police. But things get complicated when he falls in love with a “client” (Adria Arjona) who hires him to off her abusive husband. Powell is a long-shot contender for Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay (with director Richard Linklater), but even if this ends...
But what about the movie itself? Well, it’s a darkly funny based-on-a-true-story charmer, with Powell playing a mild-mannered man who has a gig posing as a hitman to entrap people in murder-for-hire plots for the police. But things get complicated when he falls in love with a “client” (Adria Arjona) who hires him to off her abusive husband. Powell is a long-shot contender for Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay (with director Richard Linklater), but even if this ends...
- 6/8/2024
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
With a premise about young love, two charismatic leads and a title like Winter Spring Summer or Fall, Tiffany Paulsen’s feature is likely to draw vague comparisons to Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise (and sequels). But while it’s highly unlikely to attain that canonical status, this film edges into distinctive enough territory thanks to Wednesday stars Jenna Ortega and Percy Hynes White. Their genuine chemistry and grounded performances give the feathery story a needed touch of weight.
Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, Winter Spring Summer or Fall aims to gift Gen Z the kind of rooting-for-them romance on offer for every generation: the unlikely match-up at the center of A Walk to Remember; the music-driven pairing of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist; and, as mentioned, the more emotionally risky and formally adventurous Before movies.
The film follows Remi (Ortega) and Barnes (White), two New Jersey teens who...
Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, Winter Spring Summer or Fall aims to gift Gen Z the kind of rooting-for-them romance on offer for every generation: the unlikely match-up at the center of A Walk to Remember; the music-driven pairing of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist; and, as mentioned, the more emotionally risky and formally adventurous Before movies.
The film follows Remi (Ortega) and Barnes (White), two New Jersey teens who...
- 6/7/2024
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Skip Intro with Krista Smith is an award-winning weekly show, bringing you dynamic conversations with the exceptional people behind your favorite shows, films, specials, and documentaries on Netflix.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Glen Powell joins the show to talk about Hit Man, which he co-wrote and co-produced alongside the film's director, Richard Linklater. Powell stars as Gary -- a straight-laced professor who discovers his hidden talent as a fake hit man. But when one of his clients steals his heart, it ignites a powder keg of deception, delight, and mixed-up identities.
Powell digs into his long-running creative relationship with Linklater, describes what it was like to develop Hit Man's colorful cast of characters, and reflects on meeting and working with his co-star Adria Arjona.
He also explains how he fell in love with movies and musical theatre while growing up in Austin,...
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Glen Powell joins the show to talk about Hit Man, which he co-wrote and co-produced alongside the film's director, Richard Linklater. Powell stars as Gary -- a straight-laced professor who discovers his hidden talent as a fake hit man. But when one of his clients steals his heart, it ignites a powder keg of deception, delight, and mixed-up identities.
Powell digs into his long-running creative relationship with Linklater, describes what it was like to develop Hit Man's colorful cast of characters, and reflects on meeting and working with his co-star Adria Arjona.
He also explains how he fell in love with movies and musical theatre while growing up in Austin,...
- 6/7/2024
- by Podcast Staff
- Tudum - Netflix
June is often a prime moviegoing month for fans of blockbusters, but none of Hollywood’s typical calendar rules seem to apply in 2024. The strike-induced production delays in 2023 have left many studios with abnormally thin summer movie slates this year, meaning that many cinephiles might find themselves relying on streaming more heavily than usual.
Fortunately, Netflix has a particularly robust slate of additions to its movie library this month. Many eyes in the film world are on “Godzilla Minus One,” the 2023 Japanese blockbuster that has previously been unavailable to stream in the United States; and “Hit Man,” Richard Linklater’s Glen Powell-led comedy that earned strong reviews at last year’s Venice Film Festival and has adorned Los Angeles with viral billboards lampooning the city’s many slip-and-fall lawyers. In addition to those new releases, Netflix has also loaded up on studio hits and indie gems of yesteryear, providing something for everyone this month.
Fortunately, Netflix has a particularly robust slate of additions to its movie library this month. Many eyes in the film world are on “Godzilla Minus One,” the 2023 Japanese blockbuster that has previously been unavailable to stream in the United States; and “Hit Man,” Richard Linklater’s Glen Powell-led comedy that earned strong reviews at last year’s Venice Film Festival and has adorned Los Angeles with viral billboards lampooning the city’s many slip-and-fall lawyers. In addition to those new releases, Netflix has also loaded up on studio hits and indie gems of yesteryear, providing something for everyone this month.
- 6/7/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
“Hit Man” is the kind of movie that 25 years ago could have made $200 million at the box office on a budget of two percent of that. Now, Richard Linklater and Glen Powell’s romantic thriller-comedy is going straight to Netflix after traditional studios balked at giving it a theatrical release.
In an interview with the BBC, Linklater attributes that change to studios being afraid to take even small risks on adult-oriented dramas.
“You don’t get fired for doing a sequel or an origin story, something that already exists,” the Oscar-nominated “Boyhood” director said. “You don’t get in trouble for what’s obvious and commercial. What changed is that films got greenlit by the marketing department and then it’s become really safe choices.”
The film, which was written by Linklater and Powell and based on a Texas Monthly article, tells the story of a police consultant (Powell) who...
In an interview with the BBC, Linklater attributes that change to studios being afraid to take even small risks on adult-oriented dramas.
“You don’t get fired for doing a sequel or an origin story, something that already exists,” the Oscar-nominated “Boyhood” director said. “You don’t get in trouble for what’s obvious and commercial. What changed is that films got greenlit by the marketing department and then it’s become really safe choices.”
The film, which was written by Linklater and Powell and based on a Texas Monthly article, tells the story of a police consultant (Powell) who...
- 6/7/2024
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
A raft of new films, from Challengers to Hit Man, have shown the importance and popularity of desire on screen
The success of Hit Man, Richard Linklater’s new comedy that has garnered glowing reviews heralding Glen Powell’s emergence as a true movie star, largely boils down to one factor: illicit attraction. It’s the kind that powers fantasies and a good portion of human behavior, whether we’d like to admit it or not.
There’s the pull of Powell’s Gary, a nerdy thirtysomething psychology professor in New Orleans, moonlighting as an undercover impersonator of hired killers, trying on different, more confident identities for size. There’s the longstanding, vicarious thrill of watching ethically dubious protagonists flitter through a well-oiled crime caper. And most especially, there’s the heat between Gary, in disguise as a suave hitman, and Adria Arjona’s Madison, a potential client with whom...
The success of Hit Man, Richard Linklater’s new comedy that has garnered glowing reviews heralding Glen Powell’s emergence as a true movie star, largely boils down to one factor: illicit attraction. It’s the kind that powers fantasies and a good portion of human behavior, whether we’d like to admit it or not.
There’s the pull of Powell’s Gary, a nerdy thirtysomething psychology professor in New Orleans, moonlighting as an undercover impersonator of hired killers, trying on different, more confident identities for size. There’s the longstanding, vicarious thrill of watching ethically dubious protagonists flitter through a well-oiled crime caper. And most especially, there’s the heat between Gary, in disguise as a suave hitman, and Adria Arjona’s Madison, a potential client with whom...
- 6/7/2024
- by Adrian Horton
- The Guardian - Film News
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on June 6th, reviewing “Hit Man,” featuring Glen Powell (also co-writer) and directed by Richard Linklater (“School of Rock”). Streaming on Netflix beginning June 7th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Gary Johnson (Powell) is a professor of philosophy at the University of New Orleans. While helping the police on the side in investigation techniques, he is asked to go undercover as a hit man, mostly to coerce folks into getting busted for trying to hire him. When Madison (Adria Arjona) solicits his services, his attraction to her throws him off the undercover gig, and his subsequent relationship with her complicates matters further. When fellow cop Jasper (Austin Amelio) starts to suspect something, Gary’s cover is about to be compromised.
“Hit Man” is streaming on Netflix beginning June 7th. Featuring Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Retta, Austin Amelio and Evan Holtzman.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Gary Johnson (Powell) is a professor of philosophy at the University of New Orleans. While helping the police on the side in investigation techniques, he is asked to go undercover as a hit man, mostly to coerce folks into getting busted for trying to hire him. When Madison (Adria Arjona) solicits his services, his attraction to her throws him off the undercover gig, and his subsequent relationship with her complicates matters further. When fellow cop Jasper (Austin Amelio) starts to suspect something, Gary’s cover is about to be compromised.
“Hit Man” is streaming on Netflix beginning June 7th. Featuring Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Retta, Austin Amelio and Evan Holtzman.
- 6/7/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Once you lose your wife to Glen Powell, it’s kind of hopeless to even think about winning her back. In Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, Madison’s husband Ray Masters gets murdered to set up the climax of the movie. Even though we don’t get to see the murder taking place, his death is not much of a mystery to solve. Madison admits to Gary that she killed him, and it’s only then she gets to know the true identity of her new lover. What we’re discussing in this article are the circumstances that led to Ray getting killed and the aftermath of it.
Spoilers Ahead
Why did Madison want to have Ray killed?
Madison was a woman who once loved Ray, but his overly controlling behavior made her feel like she was his prisoner. Ray put her on a specific diet, told her how to dress,...
Spoilers Ahead
Why did Madison want to have Ray killed?
Madison was a woman who once loved Ray, but his overly controlling behavior made her feel like she was his prisoner. Ray put her on a specific diet, told her how to dress,...
- 6/7/2024
- by Aniket Mukherjee
- Film Fugitives
One of the most talked-about action flicks of this year, Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, deserves all the hype it’s getting. Loosely based on a 2001 article by Skip Hollandsworth, the film is about Gary Johnson, a Texas man who was famous for his undercover persona as a fake hitman. Linklater’s latest movie proves that he’s much more than the Before trilogy, and this movie is also a wake-up call for Hollywood in many ways. It’s not necessary to play it safe when you’ve got a solid script on your hands, and that’s what makes a movie click with the audience. In this article, we’re talking about the ensemble cast and the characters they play in this Netflix movie.
Spoilers Ahead
Glen Powell as Gary
After starring in Top Gun: Maverick and recently in a rom-com with Sydney Sweeney, Powell continues his glorious run...
Spoilers Ahead
Glen Powell as Gary
After starring in Top Gun: Maverick and recently in a rom-com with Sydney Sweeney, Powell continues his glorious run...
- 6/7/2024
- by Aniket Mukherjee
- Film Fugitives
Years before Hannah Arendt coined the phrase ‘the banality of evil’, classic crime films depicted the hit man as an abstract symbol of evil, much like Nazis in political movies. This Gun for Hire (1942) and Murder by Contract (1958) featured such characters, becoming iconic representations within film noir. A prime virtue of Richard Linklater’s new film, Hit Man, is that it takes a fascinating approach by featuring no traditional hit man at all. Instead, it’s centered on a character who adopts an array of personas, including that of a hit man. Linklater delves deep into illusions and imaginations around...
- 6/7/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Adria Arjona, Richard Linklater, and Glen Powell on the set of Hit ManImage: Netflix
Loosely based on a 2001 Texas Monthly profile, Richard Linklater’s Hit Man mythologizes the life of Gary Johnson, a part-time college professor who moonlighted as a fake hit man for the Houston Police Department. Of course,...
Loosely based on a 2001 Texas Monthly profile, Richard Linklater’s Hit Man mythologizes the life of Gary Johnson, a part-time college professor who moonlighted as a fake hit man for the Houston Police Department. Of course,...
- 6/7/2024
- by Natalia Keogan
- avclub.com
“Hit Man” is writer/director Richard Linklater’s most commercial film since “School of Rock.” While the indie icon has enjoyed some mild box office successes in his 30-year-plus career, those have largely been the product of overwhelmingly positive critical reception and the longtail word-of-mouth that accompanies a beloved gem like “Boyhood.”
But that’s not “Hit Man.” Linklater combines the fun of a screwball comedy, the twists and turns of a crime film, and a sexy romance featuring the magnetic charm of Glen Powell in a role that announces him as a full-blown movie star after having carried (along with co-star Sidney Sweeney) the surprise rom-com hit “Anyone But You” this winter, and ahead of anchoring the studio tentpole “Twisters” this summer.
“Hit Man,” which won over critics and audiences at the Venice and New York Film Festival, will almost certainly find its audience, but it won’t be in theaters,...
But that’s not “Hit Man.” Linklater combines the fun of a screwball comedy, the twists and turns of a crime film, and a sexy romance featuring the magnetic charm of Glen Powell in a role that announces him as a full-blown movie star after having carried (along with co-star Sidney Sweeney) the surprise rom-com hit “Anyone But You” this winter, and ahead of anchoring the studio tentpole “Twisters” this summer.
“Hit Man,” which won over critics and audiences at the Venice and New York Film Festival, will almost certainly find its audience, but it won’t be in theaters,...
- 6/7/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
This whole month is dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community (and there’s really no reason not to do that the whole year through), as cities around the world are gearing up for their Pride festivities. This weekend includes events in Los Angeles and Washington, among others, so why not join in on the party?
June may revel in being out and proud, but you can honor the concept of being out without actually going out. Just stay right at home and catch a Pride Month–worthy stream. Call up a documentary about an inspiring trans athlete, a series with a huge cast of characters across a wide spectrum of sexuality, or a string of films about love. What’s not to love about that?
A romantic-noir-screwball-action comedy that will take you out. Richard Linklater’s Hit Man stars Glen Powell (who also co-wrote the script) as a professor with...
June may revel in being out and proud, but you can honor the concept of being out without actually going out. Just stay right at home and catch a Pride Month–worthy stream. Call up a documentary about an inspiring trans athlete, a series with a huge cast of characters across a wide spectrum of sexuality, or a string of films about love. What’s not to love about that?
A romantic-noir-screwball-action comedy that will take you out. Richard Linklater’s Hit Man stars Glen Powell (who also co-wrote the script) as a professor with...
- 6/7/2024
- by Mary Sollosi
- Tudum - Netflix
This article contains multitudes of Hit Man spoilers.
The words “true story” are always a curious thing to see at the beginning of a film. Sometimes the term is applied to sober-eyed dramas that seek to convince you they’re nearly documentaries. Think of your Spotlights and All the President’s Mens. More often than not though, the phrase is used as a marketing gimmick for stories where the word “truth” is an abstraction. Think Tobe Hooper’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Which is what makes another Texan director’s latest indie effort, the beguiling Hit Man now on Netflix, so amusingly slippery. Richard Linklater and Glen Powell’s comedy is indeed based on a “true story,” as they promise at the start. And during the end credits, the film has the photographs to prove it: Gary Johnson was a real man who helped assist in the conviction of dozens of...
The words “true story” are always a curious thing to see at the beginning of a film. Sometimes the term is applied to sober-eyed dramas that seek to convince you they’re nearly documentaries. Think of your Spotlights and All the President’s Mens. More often than not though, the phrase is used as a marketing gimmick for stories where the word “truth” is an abstraction. Think Tobe Hooper’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Which is what makes another Texan director’s latest indie effort, the beguiling Hit Man now on Netflix, so amusingly slippery. Richard Linklater and Glen Powell’s comedy is indeed based on a “true story,” as they promise at the start. And during the end credits, the film has the photographs to prove it: Gary Johnson was a real man who helped assist in the conviction of dozens of...
- 6/7/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
I feel that understanding human beings is one of the most underrated art forms. Well, suppose I walk into an interview and tell someone that I understand people. They are just going to look at me and throw me out of the window. And I am not even talking about statistics to understand what a group of people like American Presidents do. I am talking about individuals: their actions, their choice of words, their gestures. Well, you can read even this in Travis Bickle’s voice or Patrick Bateman’s, because that’s how most psychopathic hitmen or serial killers define their prey. I feel we all have a “Ron” inside of us, and we all want to be a cooler version of ourselves, yet most of us, including Hit Man‘s Gary Johnson, have better control over that “alter ego.”
So our not-so-cool psychology teacher from New Orleans, Gary Johnson,...
So our not-so-cool psychology teacher from New Orleans, Gary Johnson,...
- 6/7/2024
- by Shikhar Agrawal
- DMT
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Am I Ok? (Stephanie Allyne and Tig Notaro)
A romantic comedy that functions best as a fable of friendship and self-reflection, Am I Ok? is the kind of lightweight, amiable movie that just barely earns the emotional beats at the heart of its story. Set in Los Angeles, it follows the converging life events of two best friends, Lucy (Dakota Johnson) and Jane (Sonoya Mizuno), soul sisters with opposite personalities who tell each other everything—except for the big secrets they’ve been harboring from each other. How they respond to hearing them fuels Stephanie Allyne and Tig Notaro’s gentle and wobbly feature debut. – Jake K-s. (full review)
Where to Stream: Max
Dad & Step-Dad (Tynan DeLong)
Following the stellar comedy Free Time,...
Am I Ok? (Stephanie Allyne and Tig Notaro)
A romantic comedy that functions best as a fable of friendship and self-reflection, Am I Ok? is the kind of lightweight, amiable movie that just barely earns the emotional beats at the heart of its story. Set in Los Angeles, it follows the converging life events of two best friends, Lucy (Dakota Johnson) and Jane (Sonoya Mizuno), soul sisters with opposite personalities who tell each other everything—except for the big secrets they’ve been harboring from each other. How they respond to hearing them fuels Stephanie Allyne and Tig Notaro’s gentle and wobbly feature debut. – Jake K-s. (full review)
Where to Stream: Max
Dad & Step-Dad (Tynan DeLong)
Following the stellar comedy Free Time,...
- 6/7/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
While it is a little early to say that Glen Powell‘s Hit Man is the best film of 2024 it is sure to end up in the top 3 for many people. Directed by Richard Linklater, who also co-wrote the film with star Powell. Loosely based on the real-life of Gary Johnson, Hit Man follows the story of a psychology professor who moonlights as a pretend hit man for the police, but Gary’s life takes a complete 180 when he meets a beautiful woman who comes to him to have her husband killed. Hit Man also stars Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, Retta, Molly Kate Bernard, Evan Holtzman, and Morgana Shaw. So, if you loved the romantic comedy and dark thriller aspects of Hit Man here are some similar movies you could watch next.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Warner Bros.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a neo-noir...
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Warner Bros.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a neo-noir...
- 6/7/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
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