Gemini Man (2019)

Gemini Man (2019) is an action film, but with no permanent action! Yes, it’s also drama and science fiction, but no thriller, though, alas. I’m not a huge Ang Lee fan, but I haven’t seen many of his films. I know I should at least see Pi’s Odyssey. I didn’t like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” when it came out, and I’m not sure I’ll like it now. I hear his sultry ‘Lust, Caution‘ (2007) is good, but I doubt it. As for the first Hulk, I remember that, like here, the direction was perfect, but nothing more.

Here, Will Smith does very well, once again, in his two roles. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is always perfect, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with her performance, which is always very accurate and precise. Clive Owen, known for his scary, nervous roles, reminds me of Russell Crowe. I’m not a big fan of either of these actors, although I have to admit they have a certain charisma.

The action scenes are spectacular, but not at all realistic. They’re like Superhero action scenes: with people falling on their heads on motorbikes at full speed, but getting right back up; people who fall over a car, but get right back up; people who get their heads smashed against a wall several times, but don’t have a broken nose or too much blood on their face and keep running; and people who fall from the first floor on their backs, but keep running. In short!!! Even in Superhero films, which I enjoy to a greater or lesser extent, it’s disturbing, but it passes. Here, it doesn’t, and we really feel like we’re being taken for fools!

As for the cloning story, it’s original for some, but I think it must be banal for those who’ve seen all the cloning films. I hesitate to give it three stars because I still had a good time, even if the film is long. But in the end, it’s not great cinema, just a big show, and it’s not a film I’m likely to see again or recommend.