Last Looks

Funny that Metacritic didn't include Variety review, a faborable ond in the aggregator. Charlie Hunnam stars as Waldo, a maverick LAPD detective who quit the force and went from a star cop to a eco-obsessed recluse who decides to posses only one hundred objects at the time. His old flame, now a private investigator contacts him to help her with the case of famous British actor Alastair Pinch portrayed by Mel Gibson - now hamming it up in a network courtroom drama - accused of murder. Waldo refuses the case but soon enough he gets **** into it when his ex disappears. Charlie Hunnam had a lot of success on the small screen but his big screen outings were somewhat overshadowed by IP or big name directors. This time it's the show that fits him well and showcases his strengths. There is a lot of Martin Riggs in Waldo but is this film the case of Mel Gibson passing the mantle to Hunnam like Garner passed it to him in Maverick? In this case, maybe Sunset by Blake Edwards is the better comparison and in that film Jim Garner passed the mantle to Bruce Willis. However, I don't really feel Mel Gibson passed the mantle simply because even though Charlie and Alastair share the cause they don't share the action. Mel's Alastair is a wonderful part and this is a great supporting role completely unlike his recent supporting outings in so-called geezer teasers. This is a fleshed out character and somewhat feels that the novel and the script were actually inspired by Mel. As we all know in his recent roles Mel Gibson pursued tortured characters with history of substance abuse seeking redemption and family reunion. And Alastair Pinch is just like that. There are also minor details that feel like quips at Mel Gibson himself. For example he spoofs Hamlet, the character he played on screen in a kindergarten scene. Even though, material is open to it - Mel never chews the scenery and he sure as hell doesn't overshadow Hunnam. It's a great supporting turn and a lovely reminder of just how good an actor Mel Gibson is. Tim Kirkby's direction is precise. Hi staging is dynamic and Lyle Vincent's photography is crisp. It's a beautiful film to look at with great Los Angeles vibe and the cast of name actors surrounding Hunnam improves the film even though it could have drowned it. The Howard Michael Gould spawned a series of books about Waldo. In the perfect world, this film would spawn a series of films. Unfortunately, private detectives never go out of fashion but they moved from cineplexes to streaming. It's a shame but that's our current climate. Hopefully this film will do well in streaming.

A film that stands out from the classic crime film thanks to a good dose of irony. Nothing sensational but enjoyable to watch