Hit Man

By Joanna Langfield

I feel as if I’ve been keeping a surprise from you for a very long time. Because, for some crazy reason, this completely delicious treat, which played to raves at film festivals over a year ago, is just hitting theaters and Netflix. It’s been worth the wait.

Based on a pretty astonishing real life story, Glen Powell stars as a somewhat milquetoast college professor, moonlighting with the local police. His team is out to nab people looking to hire hit men, and while they make arrangements for such, our guy Gary is recording them in a van. But one day, Gary finds himself taking on the role of the fake hit man himself. And the term “finds himself” is no exaggeration. Gary evolves into the mysterious, sexy Ron. He’s nabbing them with confidence and swagger. But, when he meets one potential client, the game and scrumptious Adria Arjona, maybe he’s not quite as in control as he thinks he is.

Filmmaker Richard Linklater keeps things light, breezy and often very funny. Is it more fun to watch this with a crowd? Maybe. When I first saw the film, along with a big group full of usually pretty tough critics, the room burst into raucous applause not once, but twice. This may or may not happen in your living room. But there is no doubt that Hit Man establishes Powell, who gets to play just about all the emotions, as a major star. He hits every note. And he sure looks like a Hollywood headliner, the way they used to make them. Arjona makes quite the impression here, too. But what is maybe best is the pure enjoyment the movie brings its audience. It’s smart, sizzly and one of the best films you’ll see this year.