Filmmaker Dimitri Logothetis has a history of misusing talent, as evidenced by his previous effort, the dismal Jiu Jitsu. With Gunner, he seems to continue this trend, casting Luke Hemsworth in a role that fails to redeem his earlier mistakes. Gunner is a bland action film reminiscent of ’80s and ’90s action flicks, featuring inept villains and a hero who blows things up without much flair. Despite Morgan Freeman’s presence in a supporting role, Gunner falls short of his usual standards. The dialogue is cringeworthy, even by the standards of mediocre action sequels, the performances lack depth, and the action sequences are poorly executed with lackluster digital effects that fail to evoke any real excitement.
Gunner (2024)
Action, Thriller
Release Date: August 22, 2024
Director: Dimitri Logothetis
Cast: Luke Hemsworth, Morgan Freeman, Joseph Baena, Maurice P. Kerry, Mykel Shannon Jenkins, Grant Feely, Connor DeWolfe, Sean Rogers
Runtime: 90 Minutes
Main Genre: Action
Writers: Dimitri Logothetis, Gary Scott Thompson
What Is ‘Gunner’ About?
In Gunner, Luke Hemsworth stars as Lee Gunner, a decorated Afghanistan veteran who returns to his hometown of Clinton to run a bar with his wife, Clarie (Yulia Klass). The bar is frequented by rowdy bikers and drug dealers. After a confrontation with some local troublemakers, Gunner finds himself embroiled in a dangerous situation when his family is taken by a drug gang. The plot revolves around his mission to rescue his sons, Luke and Travis, from the clutches of the gang’s ruthless leader, Kendrick Ryker.
Logothetis and co-writer Gary Scott Thompson deliver a script packed with genre clichés. Gunner is a “seen-it-before” movie, with predictable elements such as the sacrificial family member, the stubborn agent, and the invincible hero. The film’s narrative feels like a rehashed version of countless other action movies, with a script that relies heavily on worn-out tropes and uninspired dialogue.
Gunner’s Visual and Technical Shortcomings
The film suffers from a series of visual and technical flaws. Green screen backgrounds and poorly executed color correction fail to create a convincing environment, while the digital effects for gunfire and explosions are clumsy and unconvincing. The film includes jarring edits and unrealistic stunts that further detract from its quality. Logothetis’ direction results in a movie that appears to be an unfinished draft rather than a polished product.
Lack of Imagination in ‘Gunner’
Gunner lacks creativity and excitement. The action scenes are formulaic and uninspired, with only a few moments of excitement that fall flat compared to other action films like John Wick. The film’s action sequences feel more like a series of random, poorly executed attempts rather than well-thought-out scenes of intensity. The production quality and pacing are inconsistent, and the film fails to offer any fresh take on the action genre.
Despite the best efforts of Hemsworth and Freeman, The Movie fails to rise above its shortcomings. The film’s attempts at humor and drama fall flat, and the overall execution is lackluster. With subpar performances, a lack of originality, and technical issues, Gunner struggles to achieve even a modest level of watchability. It’s a forgettable entry in the action genre, failing to stand out in a crowded field of better-executed films.
