Wrath of Man is a 2021 crime thriller written and directed by Guy Ritchie, from a script he co-wrote with Ivan Atkinson and Marn Davies. It is based on the 2004 French film Cash Truck, from Nicolas Boukhrief and Éric Besnard. It tells the story of a mysterious and stone faced cash truck security guard who surprised his coworkers during a heist in which he unexpectedly unleashes precision skills. The crew is left wondering who he is and where he came from. Soon, his motive becomes clear as he takes dramatic and deadly steps to settle a score.
The cast includes Jason Statham, Holt McCallany, Jeffrey Donovan, Josh Hartnett, Laz Alonso, Raúl Castillo, Deobia Oparei, Eddie Marsan, and Scott Eastwood. Wrath of Man received a wide theatrical release on May 7th courtesy of MGM Studios.
THE GOOD
One thing is for sure, Guy Ritchie’s trademark style is undeniable. From his gritty in your face camera work, to his no BS and potentially offensive dialogue (some people, anyway), his films always stand out and feel true to his vision. Now since his debut film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), he has delivered his fair share of even-keeled entertainment, including the 2019 Aladdin remake, but at his core films like Wrath of Man are where his talent truly shines through in my opinion.
Quite frankly, this is a return to old heist thrillers that have been watered down as of late, and that was a great thing for me. The most comparable film in recent memory would have to be Den of Thieves with Gerard Butler and Pablo Schreiber, with a less talented writer/director. They share a similar gritty feel but still have an immersive backstory to accompany the action. Plus plenty of shootouts and intense car chases, just what every heist thriller needs. Movies like this get me excited, which is probably why I’ve seen Den of Thieves at least 20 times, easily. It actually has a sequel in the works which I am excited for.
I really enjoyed all of the planning that went into the heists, sort of reminded me of the Ocean’s movies accounting for every single detail and potential variable. On the technical side of things, the soundtrack, cinematography, and score all work in sync and help drive the story while giving the film its much needed edge. I also liked how it jumped from the present to the past seamlessly as the story unraveled. Statham goes more John Wick in this movie and relies on the tried and true bullet to the face method as opposed to hand to hand combat, and I was more than okay with that. If there was ever a movie that requires you to eat wings and drinks beers, this is it.
The cast for Wrath of Man is similar to the Brooklyn Nets talent wise when it comes to crime thrillers, and that’s saying something. Jason Statham is the face of the film for obvious reasons, and he is amazing as always. Few directors can make a character as badass as Ritchie, and we all know that Statham needs little help in that department. He is the epitome of an alpha male, and if you are dealing with low testosterone levels, they’ll be up significantly after watching him take care of business.
I was very impressed with Scott Eastwood in his role and thought that he absolutely crushed it. It was great to see Josh Hartnett is a supporting role. Holt McCallany, the star of the Netflix series Mindhunter, was the perfect addition to the cast. I also have to give an honorable mention to Jeffrey Donovan, Laz Alonso from The Boys, and swiss army knife actor Eddie Marsan. Everyone came across as stone cold from top to bottom and more than held their own. Oh and needless to say I love a good Post Malone sighting, his scene had me laughing pretty good.
THE BAD
Wrath of Man delivered on what I was hoping for and left me with little to complain about, but that doesn’t mean some people won’t have some issues with the movie. In true Guy Ritchie fashion, the dialogue is often over-the-top insensitive and may offend some people especially considering todays climate. I wasn’t offended at all, which I suppose speaks to my own unresolved issues, but that is a discussion I should be having with my therapist. But seriously, Ritchie is unapologetic and stays true to his old-school filming style and I can’t get enough of it.
THE VERDICT
An unapologetically violent heist thriller that packs a punch and takes full advantage of a stacked cast, Guy Ritchie’s Wrath of Man is more than worth 2 hours of your time. I had an absolute blast watching this movie, and was reminded just how much I have missed watching Jason Statham kick ass during his Transporter days. I don’t care if we are talking about Death Race (which I will admit, I did enjoy), he always means business. With one of the most talented casts in recent memory and enough adrenaline to last you at least another 48 hours after the credits roll, this is a movie that warrants multiple viewings. See Wrath of Man on the big screen with the sound blaring and get your summer started off right.
TED TAKES RATING - 8.5/10
Wrath of Man is now playing in theaters. Check out the trailer below.