Fast Charlie (2023)

An action-revenge thriller that also incorporates elements of romance, this film adapts the novel ‘Gun Monkeys’ by Victor Gischler.

With a straightforward narrative and a touch of humour, the story is enjoyable.

Charlie Swift, played by Pierce Brosnan, is a hit man who has worked for his boss, Stan, for 40 years.

Stan is an aging mobster in Biloxi, Mississippi. However, the arrival of a rival boss from New Orleans, who begins to indiscriminately eliminate his opponents in order to take control, unleashes a series of problems.

Director Phillip Noyce, with a career spanning 63 films, knows how to find the right tone. His experience with titles such as ‘Salt’, ‘Imminent Danger’, ‘The Impassive American’, ‘Patriot's Game’ and ‘Dead Calm’ is reflected in this work, which captures the essence of 1990s thrillers.

At 70, Brosnan brings a deep sensitivity and an air of ennui to his character, portraying someone weary and longing for a quiet retirement.

His charm, elegance and charisma are complemented by the chemistry he shares with actress Morena Baccarin. Also appearing in the film is the late James Caan, in one of his last roles.

The human approach to the criminal world, especially that of killers seeking to redeem themselves and leave their profession, has been explored on numerous occasions.

It also ironises the circumstances and the desire for a quiet life. Marcie aims to find a better job.

Charlie is a foodie and longs for a quiet life in Italy, picking up on a common element in gangster films that depicts his culinary hobbies.

In addition, Richard Wenk's screenplay also provides introspective instances of the protagonists. Several of them face everything from ageing and the memory of personal losses to slight twists and turns.

Thus, it manages to entertain in the midst of a predictable plot that stretches slightly towards the end of the story.

Despite this, the audience is able to empathise with the protagonist, leaving aside his heinous crimes. The story is presented honestly, without glorification or sensationalism, which makes it effective and compelling.