Today’s quick review: The Way of the Gun. Seizing an opportunity, Parker (Ryan Phillippe) and Longbaugh (Benicio del Toro) kidnap Robin (Juliette Lewis), a surrogate mother for a wealthy couple, and demand $15 million in ransom. But their plan goes awry when the girl’s bodyguards (Taye Diggs and Nicky Katt) put up an unexpected fight and the child’s father (Scott Wilson) calls in a dangerous fixer (James Caan) to clean up the situation.
The Way of the Gun is a crime drama with a wry tone and a tangled plot. Parker and Longbaugh are forced to think on their feet when what should be a simple ransom demand spirals way out of control. The Way of the Gun is a sharply written film that’s tense, unpredictable, and darkly amusing. The plot is a chaotic medley of improvisation by all the parties involved, and its twists and turns mean that there’s always something interesting to come.
The Way of the Gun excels at turning simple situations into something more. Even basic exchanges of information are fraught with peril, while the hidden motives of several of the parties involved throw a wrench in even the keenest plans. Parker and Longbaugh are excellent together, navigating the ever-shifting situation with skill and creativity. But the others are just as sharp, turning the kidnapping into an extended battle of wits.
The Way of the Gun backs this impressive plot with solid fundamentals. The cast includes a few familiar faces and boasts quality performances all around. The dialogue can be captivating when it wants to be, with musings on the nature of life and how to navigate it. The gunfights are long, noisy, and packed with the same creative thinking seen in the story beats. The movie as a whole is crafted with a fair amount of skill.
The Way of the Gun will not be for everyone. Parker and Longbaugh are fascinating characters but terrible people, showing only the faintest stirrings of conscience for their many crimes. The film’s sprawling cast and countless plot threads require persistence to keep track of. The violence, the mayhem, and the cynical outlook on life expressed by most of the characters will not sit well with certain viewers.
But those who enjoy convoluted plots, don’t mind a story with vacuous morality, and are looking for something offbeat will want to give The Way of the Gun a shot. The quality of its acting and writing, not to mention its creativity, makes it an excellent pick for the right viewer. Steer clear if you’re looking for something light or simple.
For a darkly comedic kidnapping scheme, try Suicide Kings. For a minimalistic crime drama with a similar focus on plot, try Blood Simple. For an even more bloody, morally grey crime drama with a Western vibe, try No Country For Old Men or Sicario. For a crime comedy with a similar style of plot, try Snatch or Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.
6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for an excellent plot and crisp action.