Son of a Gun (2014) Movie Review
The release of a new Michael Mann film has become a big deal for movie lovers, so A24 delayed the release of Julius Avery's crime thriller "Son of a Gun" until after Mann's film "Blackhat" came out. It seems they were waiting for "Blackhat" to set the tone. "Son of a Gun" falls into the Australian neo-noir genre with films like "The Square" and "Animal Kingdom," but it stands out with its intense action and respect for the characters involved.
The main character, JR, played by Brenton Thwaites, is a wide-eyed guy looking to climb the social ladder in prison. He wants to impress Brendan (Ewan McGregor), a powerful figure, to improve his situation. JR quickly finds himself involved in a jailbreak and a gold heist with Brendan and his gang. The film moves at a fast pace, focusing on the relentless criminal lifestyle and the choices Brendan makes.
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Avery captures the rush of JR's experiences by emphasizing heart-pounding moments like heists and prison fights. The film avoids flashy effects, opting for a more subdued approach with no slow-motion, no breaking the fourth wall, and music used only when necessary. Avery wants to reveal the reality of the characters' journey without unnecessary theatrics. The story explores the ambitions of these criminals and the uncertain path they're on.
The influence of Michael Mann is evident throughout the film, from well-choreographed gunfights to the sudden intensity of a simple fight. "Son of a Gun" feels like a mix of Mann's films "Heat" and "Thief," portraying men on the wrong side of the law grappling with their purpose. The tension and the feeling that the world is closing in, echoed from Mann's style, are palpable. While the film acknowledges Mann's influence, it still stands as a lighter version, especially when compared to the impact of "Blackhat." Avery shows skill behind the camera, but the screenplay ventures into overly familiar territory and could use some fresh ideas.
Brendan's scheming in "Son of a Gun" has a hands-on, do-it-yourself feel that catches you off guard. The way JR plans an audacious prison break seems believable because director Julius Avery meticulously lays out every step. This approach makes the craziness of the plot more believable when you've seen the planning process unfold in a straightforward manner.
Brenton Thwaites, who plays JR, impresses in scenes where he bluffs his way through meetings with various shady characters in Australia. He's always out of his depth, and there's a funny moment when he follows a femme fatale into the ocean. Thwaites struggles to keep a poker face amidst the chaos around him, especially when faced with Damon Herriman's portrayal of a wild, mulleted arms dealer.
Ewan McGregor, with his unfairly pleasing appearance, effectively masks Brendan's insanity. McGregor embraces the role with obvious enjoyment, portraying controlled mood swings that are both believable and a bit scary. Alicia Vikander, reminiscent of Eva Green, plays the risky moll in JR's life. Both Vikander and McGregor bring their characters to life with enthusiasm, even if Thwaites may not steal the spotlight.
Thwaites, with his expressive eyes, becomes the emotional center of the film. Whether witnessing his cell-mate's self-inflicted wound or holding a dying man, Thwaites conveys depth without relying on dialogue. However, the film could benefit from learning from Michael Mann about capturing the horror and truth of staring into the abyss. "Son of a Gun" is action-packed but lacks a bit of soul.