Fast Charlie

What sets this film apart is its embrace of well-trodden genre tropes, turning them into an engaging Southern thriller set in the grittier parts of Biloxi, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana. The movie's charm lies in its acknowledgment of familiar storylines while presenting them in a way that feels both comfortable and exciting. Brosnan's portrayal of Charlie is particularly noteworthy. He captures the essence of a man grappling with the decision to leave his dangerous life behind. His performance is filled with nuances that make Charlie more than just a typical hitman; he's a character with depth and relatable human conflicts. Every time this film got too emotional or to heavy, it was lightened with a well timed laugh and all of that was split up by really inventive action scenes. Some films are greater than the sum of their parts. This one certainly is.

It's a real puzzle why films like Fast Charlie aren't made much anymore, or if they are, they're incredibly hard to find. This film hits a sweet spot with its well-executed action sequences and a storyline that, while familiar, is still engaging. Pierce Brosnan's performance as an aging hitman is awesome, and so different to what i've seen him do in the past. Bringing depth to a role that could easily have been one-dimensional.

The trend in cinema seems to have shifted towards blockbuster franchises or ultra-indie films, leaving little room for these kinds of mid-budget, character-driven action movies. They're not flashy enough to catch mainstream attention and not obscure enough to become cult hits. It's like you need to be a detective to hunt them down in the sea of content available today.

There's definitely a gap in the market for a streaming service dedicated to these hidden gems. Imagine a platform, maybe called "Hidden Gems," where you could find these underrated movies easily. It would be a treasure trove for film enthusiasts who crave the kind of solid storytelling and performances that "Fast Charlie" delivers but often gets lost in the shuffle of more prominent releases. A service like this could bring these overlooked films into the spotlight they deserve.

Wow, the level of gritty realism in this movie is something else. It's like they've stripped back the usual glamor of gangster flicks and shown us the raw, real-life stakes of living in the criminal underworld. Pierce Brosnan plays this weary hitman with such a grounded and gritty demeanor, it's a world away from the typical invincible action hero. The way the film portrays the world of mob dealings and fixers feels brutally honest - no sensationalizing, no glorifying. It's a deep dive into the murky waters of moral ambiguity, where every choice has weight and consequences. This film goes beyond just entertainment; it's a study in character and a portrayal of the harsh realities of a life in crime. If you're tired of the usual Hollywood sheen on crime stories, 'Fast Charlie' is a refreshing and compelling alternative that doesn't shy away from the truth.

This has entertaining moments, but the clichés are endless and the dialog is as wooden as it gets. The people giving this a 10/10 are either plants or... special. There was no character development, the scene setting was terrible, the capricious flip flop in the balance of power is laughable, and the terrible pacing (especially at the end) is amateurish. Again, there are definitely scenes that hold attention, but that's not enough to give this movie a high rating. My guess is Pierce accepted this role because he owed someone a favor, or he's going broke and needed the money. Either way, this was definitely a debit from his brand, not a credit to it.

6/10.

Is it the best film ever? No. Is Pierce Brosnan's accent convincing? No. Is it a massively original plot? No. But, the pace is perfect. The humour is beautifully subtle. It's well shot, well (accents aside) acted, and extremely entertaining. It's not hyper violent, sex and bad language is minimal and there are no slumps, it just jogs along to a deliciously different ending. It's a bit of fun, and that's what films should be all about. It does it's job. I typically hate 80% of the films I watch, I'm a picky person, but I really enjoyed it. If you're at a loose end for a couple of hours, give it a go.