A professor moonlighting as a hit man of sorts for his city police department descends into dangerous, dubious territory when he finds himself attracted to a woman who enlists his services.
In addition to producing other films (like last week’s “The Blue Angels”), he’s shepherding content for himself.
“Hit Man,” his latest, is like a resume of characters he can assume and, yes, they’re good.
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Powell plays Gary, a meek philosophy professor who moonlights as a hit man in sting operations. Each time out, he changes up his look, his demeanor, his approach and, darn, if they don’t work.
Directed by Richard Linklater, “Hit Man” lets Powell dabble in a variety of film genres before it settles into an edgy rom-com. He meets a woman (Adria Arjona) who would like him to off her husband.
The persona she encounters – Ron – is a real lothario, a sexy version of Gary who can instill confidence no matter who’s on the other side of the hit parade. For Gary, it’s an opportunity to up his game after a divorce that leaves him alone, tending a plant collection and two cats. The hit man guise gives him an opportunity to figure out where he fits.
Because he’s a philosophy nerd, the film also gives him a chance to test what he preaches.
For the folks employing him, Gary’s transformation is impressive. Playing a real tough guy at one point, a cop refers to him as “Daniel Day,” a nod to the chameleonic actor. That ups the ante and gets the game moving.
Linklater doesn’t waste time with the characters but does lean into the romance and the ethics of falling for a client.
Based loosely on a real person, “Hit Man” shows the work that goes into creating a new identity. It’s fascinating actor play (another character calls him the “Caucasian Idris”) and a way for Powell to justify the relationship that unfolds. Could he kill for love? Should he indulge the woman’s fantasy?
There are dozens of films that teach lessons when characters mask their real selves. Some, like “Tootsie,” offer big results. Others just use it to spice up a given.
Powell, though, is the real deal – an actor who’s able to serve up what’s ordered.
Arjona partners him nicely, making us wonder if she’s really interested in offing her husband or turning the tables on the ever-changing Gary.
Until we learn the truth, “Hit Man” serves as the most fascinating movie of summer. It should have had a long run in theaters (where the action really pops). Instead, it’s on Netflix, able to be enjoyed time and time again.
Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
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From left, Adria Arjona as Madison, director & co-writer Richard Linkletter, co-writer Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, and director of photography Shane F. Kelly, the team behind "Hit Man."