Gringo - movie review

Boasting an ensemble cast of Charlize Theron, Thandie Newton, Joel Edgerton, Amanda Seyfried and Sharlto Copley, Gringo seemed as a comedy/thriller set to succeed at both the box office and with the critics. The likeable, funny trailer for the movie from a few months back was certainly one of the things that raised the audience's expectations. Sadly, however, this comedy falls quite short of a memorable cinematic experience, being just a competent 110 minute pastime.

The plot about a mild-mannered, naive corporate employee called Harold, who is being pushed around by his two bosses and easily taken advantage of by literally everyone seems like a decent enough premise. Unfortunately, it develops at a dreadfully slow pace, with the audience having to wait almost an hour for the setting to finish and the actual plot to kick in. Pacing issues are accompanied by a not very skillful balancing of characters, with some of them being implemented into the main story in a not very convincing and honestly, forced way (this mostly goes for Seyfried's character Sunny who, given her supposed relevance, is not explored enough). What you have here is basically a wide gallery of characters who are just too one-dimensional. Instead, the makers of the film might have given more focus on just four or five main heroes, getting them right.

The movie's strong point is definitely Theron's outstanding performance. The South African actress has never been sexier in her role as a manipulative femme fatale you just love to hate. Honestly, how can this woman look so good in her forties after being pregnant twice? On the other hand, the women in the audience will certainly enjoy the slick looks of Joel Edgerton or Copley's rugged, bearded persona (for those who like hipsters and beards).

All in all the Gringo will not make you want to regret paying to watch it in the cinema but neither will it blow you away. For those on the offence, you can just wait for a Blu ray edition in the coming months.