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But as a Netflix original movie, very few people will have the chance to experience it on the big screen, which is a shame because it’s a great audience movie. And Wheelman is a great audience.
This spare, stark, simple double-cross story is hung on the bones of some of the best road-action camera work I've seen since the 1980s. The chase- scene shot sequencing hearkens back to the early giants of the genre: Bullit, The Driver, The Blues Brothers. The makers spend plenty of attention on watching the Wheelman manipulate the controls of his car and presenting realistic, easy-to-follow driving choreography. Nothing in this thing breaks your suspension of disbelief. Unlike other multi-million dollar, CGI-choked car-chase franchises I can think of.
Yes, as some reviewers have complained, most of the conflict is advanced through cell phone conversations, but that merely serves to throw the many actions sequences into even sharper relief. The director never pulls you out of the car to set you safely on the sidelines as the action goes whizzing by; you're in the seat with the bullets flicking past your head. Sit down, listen to the dialogue, and you'll like this inexpensive little jewel. I've never heard of Jeremy Rush and noticed this is his first full length major film as either a writer and/or director.
He accomplished both with great success. He created a B-grade production with A- grade results. Don't go into this expecting (or comparing it to) another 'Transporter' as it doesn't have the huge Hollywood budget, A-list cast or professional production team and backing.
Nor is it meant to be a full out action thriller. Instead, it's a neo-noir mix of fast paced action and psychological thriller. The writing had a few flaws but made up for it with excellent directing and outstanding cinematography (i.e. Camera angles/shots) Frank Grillo nailed his character and I think this was one of his most convincing roles. I highly recommend this film, especially as a Sunday night pajama and popcorn flick.
A well deserved 9/10 from me. I do thoroughly enjoy a large amount of what Netflix has been dishing out over the last few years, whether that be in their television series' or their films, I find that there is a lot of quality entertainment that they've released. 'Wheelman' is another fine example of their good work. Nothing big by any means, it keeps things simple, but that's how it accomplishes so much. By restricting the narrative to center around simply a wheelman for a robbery is stuck in this messy heist gone wrong and he has to figure his way out alive in one night. The story gives more than enough material for Frank Grillo (the wheelman) to work with and provide enough cool chase sequences to entertain significantly. Frank Grillo, as mentioned before, is the lead and he does a terrific job carrying this movie.
His character isn't anything new that I haven't seen before in other countless films; a man who in an attempt to help out his family owes an underground criminal syndicate a large sum of money and the only way to pay them back is by committing enough crimes until the debt is paid. Plus he's also become estranged from his daughter and separated/divorced from his wife. But Grillo has screen presence and more than plenty of charisma that I'm still able to let myself become invested in his character. In terms of 'getaway/car chase' movies, this comes to me as a breath of fresh air. Particularly since the last couple of examples I had seen in this genre were 'Overdrive' and 'Kidnap', which were both utter garbage. 'Wheelman' outshines the both of them easily in narrative, characters, action, editing, acting, and basically everything else that comes to filmmaking. The makers behind 'Wheelman' clearly know how to make the scene look good with stylish camera work and not just shaking it around while the editor has a field day with cutting every second, leaving the viewer disoriented in the most obnoxious way.
The screenwriter knows how to build tension in a cohesive way that goes along with the plot, as well as the movie's characters, instead of forcing silly and idiotic moments that pulls the audience out rather than reel them in as it should. If you're looking for a decently suspenseful car chase/getaway movie with a cool style and intelligently put together action beats then I believe that this should appease. Sure there are numerous of movies that are reminiscent of this film, but when it's done well like it is here, then it can still be a fun ride. So check it out if what I've said entices you at all. Wheelman seems to be a lot of things at once. It's nothing I have not seen before but a great mixture of everything I love about car movies. With most of the movie taking place in a car, Frank Grillo plays the Wheelman, a driver just trying to pay his dues for the people who looked out for him while he was in jail, but in the process of doing his 'work' someone pulls a double cross on the job.
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It's very weird how Wheel man reminds me of a lot of movies. From the 80s style found in the movie Drive, to the 1978 movie The Driver (In which Ryan O'Neal plays a Wheelman), to a Tom Hardy movie called Locke (Which completely takes place in a car), but despite what looks like on the surface as Wheelman coping the tone and style of a lot of films, It's saving grace is that it does a excellent job putting it all together. I don't know how hard or time consuming doing production in a car is, but I can see the filmmakers did a solid job with it, and good work Frank Grillo for keeping us interested in his character while in the car. Sound is very important in this movie. It's interesting. Instead of the usually burn rubber sounds we are use to, most of the car sounds come form inside the car.
Crisp details from the backing up beep to the windshield wiper, puts us in the environment of the car. Netflix films and shows love to add background environment sounds, and this time it really makes the movie. Especially, at times when the Wheelman is on the cell phone communicating with actors who are not on screen. I'm seeing a lot of different elements to a lot of different movies all warped up in one package and I like it a lot. OK it's not the greatest thriller of all time but it still kept me on edge from time to time. It's the story of a man out of jail who accepts to be the driver in a bank robbery to pay back a part of what he owed a local gang.
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The robbery goes sideways and he finds himself in a situation where he doesn't know who to trust. That's the most i can tell you without giving any spoilers. But you can imagine how this can lead to several interesting situations. The only thing that bothered me is that the story doesn't go deep enough in the characters background and sometimes you don't feel how dangerous a character can be to the Wheelman. So i'd say that if you're looking for a good thriller to spend time without having to blow your mind, this Netflix movie will do the trick. The story line is not all that original but it's well-made and engaging.
There's nothing wrong with rehashed, recycled story lines as long as they are put together with good acting, a good script and good camera work. If you're a fan of Frank Grillo then definitely check this out. Some reviewers complained of the excessive profanity but given the situation he was in, I think anybody would be cursing heavily. Most of the film takes place in the vehicle with the camera on Grillo. Some viewers might be out off by that. I thought the camera work did a great job of capturing the grimy, urban underbelly of Philly. This movie is right up my alley because I like crime thrillers with seedy, urban atmospheres.
'WHEELMAN': Four Stars (Out of Five) An action flick about a getaway driver that's in a race to survive after he's double-crossed during a bank robbery. It stars Frank Grillo in the title role, and it costars Garret Dillahunt, Caitlin Carmichael, Wendy Moniz, Shea Whigham and Slaine.
Jeremy Rush made his feature filmmaker debut writing and directing the movie. It's received mostly positive reviews from critics, and it was released on Netflix through their streaming site. I really enjoyed it.
Grillo plays a getaway driver that goes only by wheelman. During a bank robbery he gets a call from a mysterious unknown caller. The caller then threatens him and tells him to leave the two robbers behind. So once the stolen money is in his trunk, the wheelman takes off as he was told to do. Realizing he's in a lot of trouble, and his family is in danger, the wheelman struggles to figure out who double-crossed him, as he desperately tries to make sure no harm is done to him or his loved ones. The movie is extremely intense and surprisingly (oddly) claustrophobic; as most of the film takes place inside of a car. It's really suspenseful as well, and it comes to a pretty satisfying conclusion (I think).
The car chases and action scenes are all good, and pretty violent, but the film is surprisingly not that full of them. It's mostly just Frank Grillo, acting his ass off. The guy is an incredibly talented, and very charismatic, leading man action hero. In my opinion he makes the whole movie work.
This rookie filmmaker, Jeremy Rush, also does a pretty impressive job too though. Netflix can do no wrong right now, almost, for me. Watch an episode of our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/eoAnyTuUM4. This is probably more of a 6-star movie, but I had to bump it up a star considering that 99% of the movie is shot in the car, and a lot of that involves Wheelman talking on the phone, yet it never gets boring. From the first few minutes your interest is sparked and the rest of the movie is a thrill ride. There is a lot of profanity which I usually am not a fan of, but considering the storyline here, it didn't bother me. I do think the daughter could've been cast better, but Frank Grillo did an amazing job.
I felt his panic. Wheelman doesn't try too hard, yet still has great action sequences and stylish camera shots. A pleasant surprise of a movie. I can't believe the low rating of this movie so I had to write this short review. This is a pure example of how a low budget movie can leave a proper impression with the viewer. Well written character driven story.
Slow built suspense and a perfectly paced story. Frank Grillo carries this movie on his own. And this is the directorial debut of Jeremy Rush who also wrote this movie. A serious talent!I would have given it 10 stars but I noticed a serious editing mistake. You can figure it out yourselves.:) Still worthy of 9 stars.I am reminded of a Tom Hardy movie 'Locke'. If you enjoyed 'Wheelman', I recommend the latter. At the center and the heart of this movie, is a powerhouse performance from Frank Grillo as the Wheelman of the title.
He carries most of the film on his own shoulders, with early interactions through phone conversations as the conflict increases and the tension rises. As the story progresses and the plot thickens, he peels back the layers and we get to see what makes this character tick, what matters to him and why he has gotten himself into this mess. His performance alone was the main hook for me and held me from the opening to the final frames. You often read the term visceral when it comes to describing some modern movies, but few, if any have been so successful in creating a tense, tight atmosphere where you actually feel like you are in the middle of the story and right there in that car with the hero. This works in part because of some bold and brave camera placements and cinematography, which helps to show the story and events from the driver's perspective.
But also due to a tight, well written script which builds and builds to the climax and at its heart is a story about a man risking it all for his fractured family. This was a movie I was waiting to be released and am delighted it lived up to all of its potential. I enjoyed watching it as a piece of entertainment but on next viewing I will be studying it as a student of film.
Studying the excellent performances from all involved and the tight, well written script but also how well it manages to be a full on contained (a single location within multiple locations) experience. This is the first film out of the gate (and very strong start) from Warparty, which is Frank Grillo and Joe Carnahan's new partnership/production company and I've read hints of potential sequels. I hope we get to see more of this character as this film is a very successful throwback to when movies where more about character, story and heart and not just about scale. REVIEW - THE WHEELMAN A friend at work recommended this film and as I'd never heard of it I thought why not.
So I have a simple question for you, do you think the bigger the budget the better the film? Case in point The Wheelman. Obviously a tight budget but the in car camera shots are very original and actually add to the suspense of the interesting story being told but. During the film there are silly lazy errors that whilst don't detract from the overall film do irritate. For example driving past the same neon lit shop front 5 times, having the hand brake light illuminated on the dash board, using the same frontage of a bar to drive past and later walk past. As I say simple and lazy or tight budget but which don't spoil the film. Plot moves along quickly enough with a few twists and turns to keep you interested.
Rating 7 out of 10. Think of the opening scene of 'Drive' (the one you wanted more of) and the intrigue and simplicity of 'Locke' (that you wanted less of) and you've got this fantastic movie. None stop suspense, slick cold action, a story with genuine curiosity and beautifully, deliberately and seamlessly shot, paying tribute to greats like 'Mad Max', 'The Driver' and 'Bullitt' but with the precision and effortless float the likes of which I've not seen since 'Children of Men'.
Don't get me wrong, there's no epic 12 minute long choreographed masterpiece tracking shots, just a very solid confidence and execution in the way we watch this film. Everything is just right.
Upon finishing this film and coming up with an instant score of 8 but teetering on a (will I watch this again) 7, I wondered what it lacked? Story - check, brilliant car chases - check, awesome action and stunts - check, amazing cinematography - check, mobsters - check, great acting - check, and I realised that the reason it feels different to most films isn't just the simplicity, or the B- movie feel, it's that (aside from one small exchange) we don't follow our hero from his perspective, If we did it'd just be another Jack Reacher type affair, an excuse for a car/action movie, but instead we voyeuristically view the events from the cars perspective! When the wheelman switches vehicles, we now watch the action unfold from that car no matter who's driving. Instead of 'lacking' in anything, this was actually it's most unique and stylish factor.
The car is the hero, taking us from a none descript (marked) car to a vintage white shining Porsche to save the day, nicely representing the contrast between the wheelmans life as an ex con in debt, to a man taking care of his family. Frank Grillo was great, Jeremy Rush is definitely one to watch out for, as is the cinematographer Juan Miguel Azpiroz.
I never write reviews, but this one deserved it. My title is my opening thesis. This movie is for those who love cars and who's mind inhabits the real world. If you are looking for escapism fantasy (I.E. Transporter, Fast n Furious) then look elsewhere. Frank Grillo turns in a gritty and convincing performance of a low level criminal backed into a corner. The script does drag a bit during the complicated set up (pun intended).
It does however redeem itself in the second act. The very sparse but effective cinematography is reminiscent of genre classics such as 'Thief'.
The movie is rather ambitious in that it is shot almost entirely in or from the car (ala Hitchock's 'Life Boat'). Those who know what double shifting and an apex is, will find the direction, editing and cinematography very engaging. If not, then it is just some guy driving a car. I am so glad to see Frank Grillo get a lead role in a film. Typically, he is a supporting tough guy in all jis films. Tbat said, this film is very similar to 'Locke' with Tom Hardy. The main difference being Hardy is alone the entire film, behind the steering wheel of a car.
This film has a few very small parts on screen, but Grillo is excellent and perfectly cast for this role. Although Netflix produced this, it makes no difference.
A must see thriller; better than 'Locke', in my opinion. Even though Tom Hardy is the more famous (and versatile) actor, between these 2 similar films, this shows hiw roles offered are so critical to one's success in the world of films. Grillo comes out ahead in spite of all these things. My favorite scene is near the end, when he is with his daughter Katie, played by (then) 13 year old Kaitlin Carmichael; a terrific young actress. The vulnerability shown in Frank Grillo's eyes speak volumes, which many actors cannot do. I give him much credit for this performance. Any smart directors should see this now, and give him the opportunities he has not had for so long.
Action based thriller movies of high quality.bank robbery.betrayal.revenge.packed motions and reflexes.many to go for a real fan of action and suspense. The movie starts with a bank robbery involving a driver and he was betrayed by one of his partner.He pursues the betrayer all the way. Believe me it is fully loaded with hardcore actions.With the help of some uncertainity it truly makes a good showdown. The movie contains rough challenges and a journey to overcome it. U can be a part of that ride. Ratings some time just truly not reflect the quality of a movie.U have to watch it to decide it.After watching u will understand this is a much under rated movie.I don't know why. These actions.these races.deserve more.
Netflix produces everything these days just to generate enough original content. If it can be paid for from petty cash, sounds a bit edgy they green-light it. The idea that the movie plays only in the car is neat, but nothing new. You need good dialogue, good actors and a plot that works in this setting. Nothing of that can be found here.
The dialogue is badly written and takes place mostly over a cell phone. The writer thought that throwing in a ton of curse words makes the dialogue edgy. Nah, it doesn't. It just makes it cringe worthy.
Same deal as in the last 40 years. So that it doesn't get too boring they throw in a few random action sequences now and then. To top if off you get really annoyed by constantly hearing the default iPhone ring tone. The selection of music is equally annoying, so is the sound editing. Frank Grillo does a decent job, but he does not posses the acting skills to carry this movie. Doing this movie was not a smart career move. As the movie only plays in a car there was potential for some interesting camera angles and nice shots as least.
But you don't get them here either. Run of the mill cinematography. No wonder as writer and director are the same person. The directing on this movie equals it's writing. It's just uninspired and amateurish. If give this 2 out of 10.
And that is just because for fist 10 minutes before the actual plot starts going and you get disappointed. Beside that it is just a bad TV movie. Better re-watch 'Duel' or 'Collateral'.
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