La rançon

Joel Edgerton (Warrior, Zero Dark Thirty and Bright) always brings his A-game, Charlize Theron is money in heels all the way to the bank... But it's David Oyelowo who steals this show. It's listed as an action, comedy, crime... There's plenty of crime and a fair amount of action, but it is dark comedy, so don't expect it to be side-splittingly hilarious... The humour is in Oyelowo's reactions to his increasingly outlandish situations... Also Sharlto Copley helps out a bit in that department, as a well-intentioned mercenary. Amanda Seyfried (Sunny), and Thandie Newton are also reliable back-up in any movie venture, and hold their own in supporting roles here. Dialogue flows smoothly, and is particularly good between certain characters. Camera work is competent, as are all the other elements to make this an interesting fish-out-of-water caper that is easy to watch. It seems it has been largely overlooked though, and that's a shame, 'cause it's a strong 6 in my book.

This movie was really funny and full of talented actors. Daniel Oyelowo holds it all together as the hapless protagonist. A cavalcade of goofy criminals and clever plot twists and turns keep it speeding along at a fast clip. Loads of fun.

Let's start by saying that this is a dark comedy. Reading some of the worse reviews I get a sense that maybe they have missed this. The movie is thoroughly enjoyable, not one single weak actor in the cast and all performing well. Hat's off to Charlize Theoron, she is already one of my favourite actresses and has further cemented my opinion of her here.

Watch Harold, a victim of circumstance, muddle his was through his seemingly disaster filled life, all whilst trying to do the right thing, while others want to take advantage. Highly recommend this movie

Read the review by "scattershooting" to get the gist of the movie. I just want to add, that while I don't disagree with the review, I want to encourage you to see the film. it is well written and acted and you'll have a good time. it's a movie after all. it's not a sin to aim too high.

Gringo (2018) is a black comedy with half a dozen tightly intertwined subplots, in which nearly everybody is out to deceive, betray, and/or cheat everybody else. The two innocents in this coterie of scoundrels are Harold (David Oyelowo, O.B.E.) and Sunny (Amanda Seyfried). Harold might more aptly be yclept Matt, as he allows everybody walk all over him, secure in the conviction that good will prevail and the just will be rewarded - although these convictions will be severely tested. All of the plots revolve about Richard (Joel Edgerton), a self-centered narcissist with a seriously defective moral compass, and his designs to cheat everybody, or their designs to reciprocate.

None of the characters is particularly likeable, although many are the type of intriguing villains one loves to hate. Unfortunately, this also applies to Harold and Sunny. While we sympathize with Harold, we never really like him or even root for his success. This isn't the fault of Oyelowo, who plays the character with conviction. But Harold is a total doofus, while the other characters are so much more interesting to watch.

Production values are more than adequate, with a refreshing lack of distracting jiggly-cam shots. Performances by Sharlto Copley, Charlize Theron and Thandie Newton also deserve praise. Excellent script by Anthony Tambakis and Matthew Stone.