There are three things I like about Gringo, director Nash Edgerton’s action/comedy about a former law-abiding citizen (David Oyelowo) who’s turned to crime to survive.

The first is Charlize Theron, her general awesomeness and her character’s beautiful style. The second is the way Gringo is concluded. The ending is surprising and simultaneously unsurprising. I didn’t fully expect the turn the story took, but I also wasn’t surprised because it was still clichéd.

The last thing I like about Gringo is how the movie appears to be a little inspired by one of my all-time favourite films, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998). Though I certainly wouldn’t say that Gringo is as smart and as well-written as my beloved Lock Stock, it did, however, deliver some laughs. It’s just disappointing that I didn’t find the whole experience as amusing, engaging or exciting as the trailer hinted. 

Watch Gringo if you’re curious. Or, if you haven’t already, definitely watch Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Happy Film Loving,

G