Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Paco Cabezas, Amasia Entertainment, MA 95 Minutes.
A peculiar but enjoyable film is how one would best sum-up Spanish director of ‘Rage’ Paco Cabezas’ rendition of this romantic comedy.
Featuring Martha McKay (Anna Kendrick – ‘Pitch Perfect’) a broken-hearted young woman and hitman Francis/Mr Right (Sam Rockwell – ‘Moon’).
As the movie opens Martha is particularly disappointed at a succession of heart-breaking boyfriends, that is until she suddenly bumps into a stranger in a supermarket and appears somewhat smitten by his presence only to be then asked on a date.
During the course of their relationship Martha notices that he is reluctant to reveal his real name resulting in some awkward yet amusing moments-in excusing himself from Martha’s company to deal with a gang member out to kill him.
Martha’s hitman has also to contend with two brothers Richard Cartigan (Anson Mount – ‘The Forger’) and Von (James Ransome – ‘Tangerine’) who head up the gang out to get him; as well as former partner in crime Hopper/Reynolds (Tim Roth – ‘The Hateful Eight’).
After a number of exterminations Mr. Right finally reveals his actual profession to Martha admitting that he is no longer interested in pursuing this line of work, instead wanting to make amends by eliminating those people who hired him.
As it turns out there is a showdown looming and it will require the quick-witted hitman together with his love interest to use every resource at their disposal to avoid being killed in a bloody gunfigh.
Cabezas has certainly crafted an unusual romantic comedy that is funny (and bloody at times) with the major highlight being the chemistry between Kendrick and Rockwell in scenes reminiscent of the Cameron Diaz pairing with Tom Cruise in ‘Knight and Day’.
And apart from the inclusion of the reprehensible Roth as one of the gangsters there is no denying the pleasurable performances of both Kendrick and Rockwell in their roles.
Despite the movie’s limited duration of some 95 minutes there are many scenes that are mostly entertaining together with a satisfying storyline that ultimately lends itself to deliver a sequel with the leading characters.
Mr Right is to be televised on Channel 7FLIX at 11pm on Friday 5 March.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
