Movie Review
Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson are two of Hollywood's most creative and accomplished performers in comedy. Even if the joke isn't funny, the way you deliver it makes it so.
Their participation in the project can lift spirits and light up faces. This particular gift comes in handy in the new Netflix feature The Man From Toronto. Without their impressions, we would not have been able to get through the film.
Odd couples are all the rage these days. Big producers and studios look for opportunities to double up on stars and hope that audiences will take it.
In The Man From Toronto, Harrelson plays the legendary Colonel Kurtz-looking assassin. Featured driver Teddy Jackson becomes the building's driver when he is in the wrong place at the wrong time and is mistaken for TMFT (The Man From Toronto).
And so begins their doomed and desperate journey together to stop another World War and a larger conspiracy that may reveal itself. Not to mention saving their own lives. It would be a misnomer to call 'TMFT' a film that has or even aims for depth. This aspect of cinema is completely ignored in the story, it is of secondary importance.
Narrative
The narrative rests on the merits of the performers, especially Hart, who is at the center of everything that happens in the film. Teddy Jackson is a crowd favorite by nature - well-intentioned, dumb and lovable. It's impossible for most people who see it to root for it.
"Teddyed" is a word used derogatorily by everyone around. Whenever something goes wrong or a mistake is made, this phraseology comes into play. And we definitely see that the person in action makes these mistakes. It acts as an antithesis to TMFT at every turn. But even the failures make for a well-choreographed action sequence. Besides, there isn't much motivation to stay.
Storyline
In terms of story, there is nothing new that we have seen in 'TMFT'. Many components of its plot and characterization are sometimes so derivative that they seem insulting to your intelligence.
I definitely get what Phillip Hughes wants from his actors and story. It doesn't hold out much hope that it will go in the direction of dramatic impact that will bring you to tears. It's not strictly a "keep your brain at home" movie, but it's from the same generation.
Hughes focuses on Teddy and Adam from Toronto and the changing dynamics of their relationship. Both men go through a kind of metamorphosis together - learning from each other as they dig themselves out of this mess. Woody Harrelson is convincing as the killer. Dressed mostly in black, he creates an engaging persona that will help Hughes fill in the gaps his script carries.
Actors Chemistry
His chemistry with Hart is the only reason why it can go over like clockwork. Men are placed on a pedestal to be the only subjects needing our attention, while women remain in the background, used more as props than anything else. It's certainly disappointing to see these rough edges prevent 'TMFT' from ever having a chance to be taken seriously. This is the least of the director's worries.
Getting a laugh out of Teddy is something Hart makes easy for Hughes and seems to be his priority. I had a great time watching the movie because I went in with lowered expectations, not expecting too much from the cast. When I saw how the story was set, I immediately took off my critic hat and put on my audience hat. The result is a little tastier, but only for a preview.
Available On Netflix
Watch 'The Man from Toronto' on Netflix just for its star shine. For those unfamiliar with Hart's brand of comedy — self-deprecating, dumb and personal — this film provides the perfect introduction. A closed ending will likely stop a sequel - and thank goodness.
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