Gemini Man

Perhaps my expectations were too high. But I felt the whole clone subplot and main theme of this movie was wasted on this flick. It was too bland with absolutely nothing standing out and it could've been wholly replaced.

It's hard to pinpoint the problems in the story other than being mediocre and unimaginative. The whole clone aspect was definitely wasted here. And I kept questioning the motifs of the characters involved.

Some of the action scenes were good and I enjoyed them. But overall I'm fairly certain I'll pass on rewatching this.

This film will be most notable for it's innovative achievements in the effects realm. Although, the scriptwriting/story in contrast to the effects were a little lacklustre.

I appreciate the effort with the involvement of Ang Lee and, of course Will Smith, but I was left wanting.

Given the amount of recent Will Smith flops in recent years, I was a little apprehensive about watching Gemini Man on the big screen. Even with Ang Lee on board as director...

But alas, I was very pleasantly surprised!

Gemini Man plays like a 007 feature directed by John Woo. It just screams Hollywood action blockbuster from its big cast to its cliched dramatic moments, and its huge CGI filled action scenes to its international locations.

While not completely flawless, the CGI is very impressive and equals that seen in most Marvel movies today from its de-aging process to its intense fights and action sequences. That said, in the final scene I'm sure I saw young Will Smith's change about 3 or 4 times - but a minor gripe.

The action is huge of course in the scale of a Mission Impossible film, with plenty of one-shot scenes that make it all the more impressive! From motorbike chases to gun-play and plenty of hand-to-hand combat, any action fan should come away feeling more than pleased.

While note a masterpiece, Gemini Man is pretty damn good fun and a welcome return to form for Smith at this stage!

I was lucky enough to be invited to a premiere screening of the film, in 60fps and in 3D (been a while since I've seen a film in 3D, and the framerate was distracting in very few scenes).

It's a technical feat. Young Will Smith is probably the best looking CGI de-aging effect I've seen in a film (until the last scene). The cinematography was also really well-done, there are some interesting shots, especially one panoramic shot of a train whizzing by. And shots hold for much longer than the typical action film, often showing impressive long-take shots. The action is tense, with hard-hitting fight choregoraphy, as opposed to the "cut away" style many modern action films go with.

Will Smith, both young and old, delivers a very good performance as assassins struggling with their identity & place in the world, albeit in very different circumstances. The plot takes a bit to kick in to full gear, but once it gets rolling, it's a thrilling ride some minor speed bumps.

All in all, a solid Hollywood action film, it's no masterpiece, but very enjoyable.

Underrated, definitely flaws in script but overall far away from a disaster. I would say it's a 6.5-7, worth a see.