Gemini Man (Review)
Gemini Man is a Film We’ve Seen Before, but Not Like This.
I founded Stars & Popcorn under the premise that not all great movies are good. A perfect example of this would be the new Gemini Man movie from director Ang Lee because while it might not be a good movie it sure is a great time. The film features some impressive special effects, solid performances, and incredible action sequences making it one of the more memorable action movies I’ve seen in theaters this year. While the plot might seem like the same old tired cliche of old versus new, wisdom versus youth, nature versus nurture, I’m a firm believer that there really isn’t anything “new” under the sun when it comes to movie plots. However, the twist is enough to keep me invested enough to let the positive parts of Gemini Man to really shine.
The action-thriller stars Will Smith, a black ops assassin named Henry who is the best at what he does. Like so many big-screen assassins though, Henry is getting old and starting to grow a conscience. So, he decides to retire. His employers don’t like that though, but what are they going to do about it? Henry is the best of the best after all and will kill anyone and everyone they send after him. That is until a private military contractor decides to send a younger clone of Henry in to do the job. Someone with all his skills and talents without all the aches, pains, and emotional baggage. The result is a globe-trotting adventure as Henry tries to figure out what the hell is going on while avoiding his younger, potentially deadlier self.
Gemini Man is most definitely an action thriller, but I really have to give big props to the performances in the film. While the plot is essentially a reheated version of what you might find in a made for TV b-movie, the acting in it helps elevate it above simply being hackneyed garbage. Will Smith pulls double duty as Henry and Junior in what might be one of his better performances in years. He really captures the emotional struggles that both men are forced to confront head-on as they come to terms that they are both a clone and the cloned. He’s joined by Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a young Defense agent pulled into his fight. While Smith’s character might be the best of best, Winstead doesn’t pull any punches and proves to be one hell of a badass. Best of all, there is literally no romantic tension between them making her a full-fledged partner rather than potential damsel for Smith to rescue over and over. Other notable performances are from Benedict Wong as a charismatic pilot helping the two and Clive Owen as the man responsible for “Junior’s” existence. They might not be Oscar-worthy, but the performances lend an air of credibility to the film to keep audiences invested in the characters and their fates.
Being a movie that pits an older Will Smith against a younger version, visuals play an important part in Gemini Man. Over the years we’ve seen Hollywood try to de-age actors with mixed results (more often horrifying than not). However, Gemini Man really manages to pull it off for the most part. There are a few shots where the edges get a little blurry, but for the most part it’s like watching I Am Legend Will Smith doing battle with Fresh Prince Will Smith. The film takes it further though to create a discernible difference between the characters, especially in the action sequences. The older Smith might not be as flashy as his counterpart, but experience has taught him how to be more effective. He doesn’t pull off any elaborate MMA moves or flip through the air using parkour, instead, he just gets straight to the point trying. The contrast really sets them both up as unique characters even though they are essentially the same person.
Of course, the plot of Gemini Man gets a little irrational at times, but that’s to be expected from any big-screen action movie. Look hard enough at any of the greats and you’ll find them stuffed full of unnecessary sequences used to pad the plot or make the hero look cooler. I certainly won’t defend the cliches and tropes used as the cornerstones of Gemini Man, but I’ll argue that they’re to be expected with the genre. The film never attempts to be anything more than an entertaining sci-fi thriller and focuses on what’s important to make that work, which is memorable characters and memorable moments. I found myself laughing aloud and silently cheering as the film kicked into high gear, which is really all I need to enjoy myself in these kinds of movies.
I honestly had a good time at Gemini Man. I went in with “middle of the road” expectations for the film and found myself pleasantly surprised. Sure, it’s not a revolutionary new idea or concept. Afterall, clone movies have been done before. However, it adds just enough of a twist to help it stand out as one of the better ones in the niche. Smith shows once again why he’s such a huge box-office draw with his ability to give charming performances mixed with high octane action and Ang Lee proves he’s got a keen eye for visual storytelling. All in all, Gemini Man might be a movie we’ve all seen before, but never like this.
