Gringo: Vivo ou Morto

This movie was really funny and full of talented actors. Daniel Oyelowo holds it all together as the hapless protagonist. A cavalcade of goofy criminals and clever plot twists and turns keep it speeding along at a fast clip. Loads of fun.

I don't know how you could get more out of an action comedy. The story was GREAT. The acting was GREAT. If you like a fast-pasted Guy-Ritchie-type of film-dialing the action scenes back a notch and the acting and script up a notch-then watch. All I have to say, no spoilers needed.

This movie was pretty good. I did not have much expectation do to the ratings and some of the reviews. It was a fun movie, with comedy and action all in one. David Oyelowo was great as Harold. All in all good movie to relax and eat popcorn.

Gringo (2018) is a black comedy with half a dozen tightly intertwined subplots, in which nearly everybody is out to deceive, betray, and/or cheat everybody else. The two innocents in this coterie of scoundrels are Harold (David Oyelowo, O.B.E.) and Sunny (Amanda Seyfried). Harold might more aptly be yclept Matt, as he allows everybody walk all over him, secure in the conviction that good will prevail and the just will be rewarded - although these convictions will be severely tested. All of the plots revolve about Richard (Joel Edgerton), a self-centered narcissist with a seriously defective moral compass, and his designs to cheat everybody, or their designs to reciprocate.

None of the characters is particularly likeable, although many are the type of intriguing villains one loves to hate. Unfortunately, this also applies to Harold and Sunny. While we sympathize with Harold, we never really like him or even root for his success. This isn't the fault of Oyelowo, who plays the character with conviction. But Harold is a total doofus, while the other characters are so much more interesting to watch.

Production values are more than adequate, with a refreshing lack of distracting jiggly-cam shots. Performances by Sharlto Copley, Charlize Theron and Thandie Newton also deserve praise. Excellent script by Anthony Tambakis and Matthew Stone.

This movie is definitely better than the 6.0 rating here.