Nash Edgerton has been in the movie industry for 15+ years. He has had a some bit part roles acting, but has spent the majority of his time focused on the stunt side of things. He branched out doing some small directorial works which were mostly shorts, with the lone exception of a little-known Australian crime thriller called The Square (2010). That movie was very well received by critics and yet no studio was willing to take a large risk on him. His brother, Joel, has found success in his acting career while Nash has waited patiently for a proper opportunity. The pair have teamed up in a new crime thriller called Gringo, giving Nash a real opportunity to expose his talents to his largest audience yet.
Harold (David Oyelowo) thought he had it all. He’s married to a beautiful woman (Thandie Newton). There’s money in the bank and they have a happy home. Finally, he has a secure job with a nice income. Over a short timespan, Harold’s life will become unrecognizable all thanks to one man’s greed and dishonesty. That would be his “friend” and boss, Richard (Joel Edgerton). Between Richard’s lust for the ladies and his VERY questionable business practices, this powder keg is about to explode. Richard and his partner in crime, Elaine (Charlize Theron), are set to make a fortune at the expense of some good unknowing people. Poor Harold finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Kidnappings, drug deals and murder all come into play as the crazy plot comes to life. Good luck figuring out which dots to connect.
Gringo is one of those fasten your seatbelt and hang on tight kind of movies. With director Nash Edgerton not afraid to take risks, there’s no telling what direction this crazy movie will head to next. David Oyelowo is the movie’s main star and he is about as crazy and care free as we’ve ever seen him in his career. At times it’s like he’s channeled Eddie Murphy in the way he presents himself (I’m talking pre-Pluto Nash Eddie Murphy, when he was actually funny). Supporting actors such as Joel Edgerton, Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried and Sharlto Copley keep things interesting. There’s a lot going on in this 110 minute crazy crime comedy that should, in the very least, keep the audience from becoming bored or complacent.
The plot for Gringo is paper thin when it comes to feasibility but that’s what makes movies like these work. Expectations of realism fly out of the window in the first 15 minutes, leaving viewers with a “screw it, let’s see where they’re taking this” type of attitude. Realism is replaced by ridiculousness which is just fine when your only goal is to be entertained. Amazon Studios should be proud of this little dark comedy.
Gringo delivers what other new movies coming out this weekend could not, a fun movie experience. The reason we go to theaters is to be entertained. This crazy action crime comedy has a good mix of worthwhile ingredients that should lead to a satisfying time. Joel’s older brother, Nash Edgerton, finds fun in a flawed society and brings it all together in a very entertaining format. If you’re simply looking for a good time out this weekend, Gringo is great place to start or end your journey.
