Fast Charlie revs its engines but stalls on delivery
Fast Charlie wants to be a slick, action-packed hitman movie with a dash of wit, and it occasionally shows glimmers of that ambition. Directed by Phillip Noyce, the film stars Pierce Brosnan as Charlie Swift, a seasoned mob enforcer who finds himself on a vengeful mission after his boss is murdered. The premise, while not groundbreaking, sets the stage for a thrill ride, but the movie seems to struggle with the balance between dark humor, drama, and action, leading to an experience that’s uneven at best.
Brosnan slips comfortably into the role of Charlie, bringing his signature charm and suaveness to the character. His performance, while commendable, is let down by a screenplay that lacks the wit and cleverness it seems to aim for. Much of the dialogue tries to be sharp and witty, but often ends up feeling forced, like a joke that lands just short of the punchline. This becomes particularly noticeable in the interactions between characters, which, rather than building tension or chemistry, often feel like they’re merely checking off boxes on a hitman-movie checklist.
Noyce’s direction tries to add some stylistic flair to the action sequences, and there are moments where Fast Charlie truly comes alive. A couple of shootouts are executed with enough verve to hint at what the film could have been—a fast-paced, neo-noir thrill. Unfortunately, these scenes are fleeting, overshadowed by a plodding narrative that seems to wander as much as its protagonist. The pacing becomes a major issue, with some sections dragging on and diluting what could have been a taut 90-minute revenge story.
The supporting cast, while capable, also suffers from the film’s uneven tone. There’s an attempt to inject emotional depth into the plot through subplots and backstory, but these moments feel tacked on rather than organically integrated. They slow down the momentum without providing the payoff necessary to make them worthwhile. It’s as if the movie can’t decide if it wants to be a hard-edged thriller or an introspective character study, and in the end, it doesn’t quite succeed as either.
Despite its flaws, Fast Charlie is not without its enjoyable elements. Brosnan’s charisma keeps the film watchable, and there are brief flashes of humor that hit their mark, suggesting a better movie hidden beneath the surface. The production values are solid, with a moody soundtrack and some decent cinematography adding to the film’s atmosphere. However, these aspects only serve as reminders of what the movie could have achieved with a more focused script and tighter editing.
In the end, Fast Charlie tries to speed ahead but ends up idling in the middle of the road. It has the ingredients for an entertaining crime thriller but doesn’t quite know how to mix them into a satisfying whole. Fans of Brosnan may still find enough here to warrant a watch, but those looking for a truly gripping hitman tale may want to keep driving.
