HIT MAN
Starring: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, Retta, and Sanjay Rao
Director: Richard Linklater
NICK
Who knew director Richard Linklater could be so sexy? What he’s crafted with Hit Man is an edgy rom-com that features dynamite chemistry between stars Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, both of whom made every one of their scenes together bubble with an underlying eroticism. The performance of Powell, in particular, impresses as the role requires some serious range. If there was any question after Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion as to whether Powell could be a star, that’s silenced here instantly. This is Linklater at the top of his game, presenting something that will not only appeal to his fanbase, but reach beyond that.
ADRIANO
Do you love movies? Yes? Then you'll love Hit Man. There isn't a lot to not love about it, to be honest. Co-writer/director Richard Linklater's latest produces belly laughs nearly non-stop, thanks to sharp writing and instantly lovable characters. Glen Powell's leading man charm is dialed up to 1000, and his chemistry with Adria Arjona is so good that I felt like I was intruding sometimes. As the film keeps going, the plot gets more and more interesting and entertaining, making for a film so calculated, so creative, and so sexy, that it must be seen to believe.
QUENTIN
Further proving what most people noticed in Top Gun: Maverick, Hit Man reiterates that Glen Powell is a bonafide star as he nimbly bounces between different personas in what may end up as the best pure comedy of the year. Director Richard Linklater, who has already directed several classics, gifts us another one with an effervescent romance crime movie that is dark, hilarious, intelligent, and charming all at the same time. Yes, it’s a sort of rom-com, but it maintains razor sharp edges, refusing to fall down the well of cliché and cheesy genre tropes. It’s like Linklater’s version of a Coen Brothers movie.
CALEB
Hit Man is remarkably unremarkable. Glen Powell is as charming as ever, but outside of his performance, there isn’t much to elevate this above your typical generic Netflix rom-com. I was expecting something more noteworthy coming from a director like Richard Linklater…maybe something with a bit more style. Unfortunately, everything about this movie is merely fine. The humour isn’t exceptionally funny, the sex scenes aren’t all that sexy, and the narrative doesn’t really become engaging until the third act. If you’re a big rom-com fan, you’ll probably enjoy it, but for me, Hit Man slightly misses its mark.
AMARÚ
Hit Man is all kinds of surprising that I really enjoyed. A refreshing, if a bit talk-heavy, genre mix-up that isn’t at all what you would expect. Glen Powell continues to flex his star power by making slower-paced, jargon-filled, slightly nerd-troped dialogue enthralling; and easy-to-get-wrong, multi-persona roles hilarious. However, it isn’t until Adria Arjona enters the picture that the film really shines. Their chemistry is off the charts, and by then, you’re already knee-deep into them as characters before you’ve realized you’re watching a charming-as-hell romantic comedy. A thrilling, twisty, wholly delightful romantic comedy.
KATIE
I found Hit Man underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, Glen Powell is effortlessly charming, and watching him embody each different persona was very fun and entertaining. However, my engagement waned as it progressed as the film steadily loses momentum before an unexpected but rushed and ultimately inconsequential ending. Powell and Adria Arjona have great chemistry, but their relationship is too simplistic. Plus, Arjona’s character has no substance, seeming to exist only to wear sexy outfits. Coupled with a cast of underdeveloped characters and no sense of stakes, Hit Man is, disappointingly, just fine.
PAIGE
Even if Hit Man isn't my favorite Richard Linklater movie, it's still a damn good flick that may be one of the most delightful movies of the year. The many hats, or perhaps wigs, Glen Powell dons in the film allow him to fully showcase his capability as Hollywood's next (h)it man, and the chemistry between him and his co-star, Adria Arjona, is sizzling hot. This screwball rom-com is brimming with charisma and lighthearted humor while also doing a fine job of diving into the nature of one’s identity. It’s a perfect movie for a date night.
PRESTON
I am just amazed that after all of this time, and with so many movies within the rom-com genre, that original, clever works are continuing to be made. Director Richard Linklater shares with us exactly this in his newest Netflix release, Hit Man. What will surely be a common theme amongst any viewer is a newfound admiration, or at least the solidifying of veneration, for actor Glen Powell. His well-stocked rolodex of diverse and fantastic character portrayals demonstrate that he is fit for the most challenging of roles, and I look forward to seeing more of him in the future.
SHADAN
Hit Man is another solid entry from director Richard Linklater, who has established himself as one of the most consistent (and my favorite) directors in the game. The film is hilarious, twisty, and oh-so-sexy. Glen Powell’s lovable, awkward hitman proves he’s a movie star, but it’s his costar, Adria Arjona, who serves as the delightful discovery in a film filled with surprises. Sizzling chemistry and Austin Amelio’s memorable villain more than make up for a shaky script, delivering a fun romp you’ll want to revisit again and again.
This film was reviewed by Adriano, Nick, and Quentin as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and the 2023 Venice International Film Festival, respectively.