Quentin Tarantino: Christoph Waltz Deserves Better Films
Renowned director Quentin Tarantino, we implore you to grace the silver screen once more with your cinematic brilliance, and while you’re at it, craft another unforgettable role for the impeccable Christoph Waltz. The urgency for this plea stems from the lackluster offering that is “Old Guy,” a new action-comedy that fails to hit the mark, especially in a genre that demands exceptional execution to succeed.
In “Old Guy,” Waltz portrays Danny Dolinski, an aging hitman grappling with a midlife crisis. Plagued by arthritis and hindered by recent joint fusion surgery, Danny finds himself in excruciating pain whenever he wields a gun. To add insult to injury, his boss delivers the grim news that after three decades of service, his days as a hired gun are numbered, and he must train a much younger successor.
In a tone reminiscent of Elon Musk addressing laid-off employees, Danny’s boss bluntly states, “We’re going younger across the board,” underscoring the harsh reality of the world Danny inhabits.
Filmmakers have often portrayed hitmen as relatable figures with everyday concerns like aging and job security, attempting to humanize characters whose profession stands in stark contrast to societal norms. Yet, even with Waltz’s undeniable charm and charisma, it’s challenging to drum up sympathy for a killer, especially when juxtaposed with unsettling acts like comforting a child before committing a heinous act.
“Old Guy” falters in its attempt at humor, lacking the cleverness and wit of films like “Grosse Pointe Blank.” The banter between Danny and his young protégé, sarcastically dubbed “Gen Z,” falls flat, failing to elicit the intended laughs.
Cooper Hoffman, portraying the eccentric hitman-in-training, brings youthful energy to the role but struggles to convince as a prodigy in the art of assassination. The dynamics between the two leads, Danny and Wihlborg, unfold predictably, with clashes arising from their differing personalities and approaches to their deadly trade. The attempts at humor stemming from their generational clash fall short, failing to strike a chord with the audience.
Despite being helmed by director Simon West, known for his expertise in action-packed films like “Con Air” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” “Old Guy” falls short in delivering gripping action sequences. The film’s overreliance on gory violence fails to compensate for its lackluster pacing and inability to generate genuine excitement.
Actress Lucy Liu’s presence as Anata, a confidante of Danny’s, feels extraneous, with her character’s purpose in the narrative remaining ambiguous. The film struggles to integrate her storyline seamlessly, leading to awkwardly inserted scenes that detract from the overall coherence of the plot.
While “Old Guy” benefits from picturesque Northern Ireland locations, the film’s credibility wanes as implausible scenarios unfold, such as Danny’s Austrian-accented character conversing with his Irish-accented mother.
In conclusion, “Old Guy” fails to live up to the potential of its talented cast and creative team, leaving audiences yearning for the magic that Tarantino and Waltz have previously conjured on screen. As viewers eagerly anticipate their next collaboration, it’s evident that Christoph Waltz deserves far better vehicles for his unmatched talent. Quentin Tarantino, the stage is yours once again, let’s see what cinematic marvels you have in store for us next.