HIM
Starring: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, and Jim Jefferies
Director: Justin Tipping
NICK
I think if Him was content with just being a story about the lengths one will go for greatness, it could have worked better. Instead, it’s a film that feels compelled to touch on things like race and religion without the depth to handle either. It’s too bad, too, because Marlon Wayans is actually quite entertaining, and there are some solid visuals throughout the film. It just all feels so hollow. It’s undone by striving to be more than it is, which is often the downfall of many pro athletes. Unfortunately, that parallel was unintentional.
ADRIANO
Much like the protagonist in the film (played well by Tyriq Withers, admittedly), Him has sincere hidden greatness. Maybe this is my anticipation talking, but I saw the potential even in the worst moments of the empty style that only distracted from the empty messaging. Too much of Him baffles more than frightens, but even at the lowest points of extreme confusion and disappointment, I was optimistic that it would redeem itself. And then the third act came, eradicating any potential it had to come back around and truly proving that Him has nothing to say.
AMARÚ
Him has everything necessary for a harrowing tale about athlete commoditization and the dangerous sacrifices of obsession. Director Justin Tipping’s visuals are hauntingly captivating, and Marlon Wayans’ mad-eyed intensity is perfect as the wayward mentor to Tyriq Withers’ doe-eyed naivety. You can see greatness in individual scenes, but the screenplay lacks absolutely any amount of tension. Instead of the ebbs and flows of a full-fledged story with rising actions climaxing to an anxiety alleviating resolution, it’s an outline of spectacle put on film. Montages, music, and motivational phrases aren’t enough to capture audiences’ attention. They’re only enough to waste the potential of this film’s talent.
