Hit Man — Review

If ever there was any doubt before that Glen Powell was a movie star, despite the resounding success of TOP GUN: MAVERICK and ANYONE BUT YOU, Richard Linklater’s HIT MAN all but cements his place among Hollywood’s newest class of bonafide superstars. Pulling double duty as both leading man and co-writer, Powell makes his mark with a magnetic display, drawing inspiration from across the spectrum as he embodies multiple guises in a twisty, steamy rom-com about fake hitmen and a school teacher who finds himself thrust into an unexpected world of romance, danger and crowd-pleasing suspense.

Linklater speaks openly about the value of sex in film, and at times, HIT MAN moonlights as a direct rebuttal to the Gen-Z detractors who ask for less on-screen depictions of carnal pleasure. Powell bounces off sultry love interest Madison with enthusiasm, brought to life with seductive effervescence by Adria Arjona, and the two share electrifying chemistry that is at all times palpable. Linklater knows to step back and bask in their collective glow, leaning on an intelligent script while swirling together a cocktail of lust, temptation and genre alchemy. HIT MAN works; it’s an engaging comedy romp that flirts with action thrills, and it’s more refreshing in its application of well-worn tropes than some might give it credit.