Old Guy (2024) - Film Review

      Old Guy, 2024.

      Directed by Simon West.

      Starring Christoph Waltz, Cooper Hoffman, Lucy Liu, Desmond Eastwood, and Ann Akinjirin.

      SYNOPSIS:

      The story revolves around a contract killer nearing retirement who feels exhilarated when The Company reactivates him to mentor a Gen Z newcomer: Wihlborg, a talented assassin with a bold attitude.

      Christoph Waltz is a remarkable actor, known for his smooth voice, charming demeanor tinged with danger, and his distinctive grin. Unfortunately, his career after winning the Best Supporting Actor Oscars for Inglourious Basterds (2009) and Django Unchained (2012) has been inconsistent. His latest project, Old Guy, is a disappointing crime comedy that is as uninspired as its title suggests.

      In Old Guy, Waltz portrays Danny Dolinski, a veteran assassin coping with arthritis in his shooting hand. After completing straightforward assignments, Dolinski enjoys spending his nights at dance clubs and indulging in drinks during the day. His successful career and self-indulgent lifestyle are interrupted when his handler, Opal (Ann Akinjirin), informs him that he must train his successor.

      The new recruit is Wihlborg (Cooper Hoffman), a skilled hitman prone to collateral damage. He and Dolinski are tasked with eliminating several members of the Irish mob. Their contrasting approaches to their missions lead to friction between them. Accompanying them is Anata (Lucy Liu), a friend and associate of Dolinski’s, who might harbor feelings for him.

      Greg Johnson’s screenplay for Old Guy features a formulaic premise reminiscent of The Mechanic (1972) and numerous other hitman films. The dialogue leans on post-Tarantino style banter, and as the plot progresses, it becomes increasingly convoluted and less engaging. Anata and Danny even engage in a cliché conversation typical of these films, where professionals suddenly aspire to a "normal life." However, their professional status comes into question as they frequently disclose their names and leave DNA evidence at crime scenes.

      Simon West, known for the entertaining but silly Con Air (1997), continues his streak of lackluster projects with Old Guy. While he adds some style to Johnson’s script, the direction feels surprisingly laid-back. Given West’s reputation for orchestrating cartoonish action, Old Guy lacks urgency. Nonetheless, the film presents strong visuals, showcasing cool blues and warm oranges in its lighting, along with a vibrant opening credits sequence reminiscent of Saul Bass.

      Waltz and Hoffman do their best to enhance the film and display good chemistry. Some of their shared scenes are enjoyable, including a comically botched hit on a golf course. However, Liu's role is limited and uninspired, and she deserves more substantial material to work with alongside these two actors.

      Old Guy is never outright bad, but it ultimately lacks excitement and memorability. While Waltz brings a relaxed charm and the film has its entertaining moments, the Oscar-winning actor should be at the forefront of distinguished dramas instead of serving as the highlight of a generic crime comedy.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Daniel Rester is a freelance film critic and a member of the Hollywood Creative Alliance. He holds a bachelor's degree with a double major in Film/TV and Emerging Media and Digital Arts.