Review - Matt Mungle
**Now in theaters**
Synopsis: A girl falls for the "perfect" guy, who happens to have a very fatal flaw: he's a hitman on the run from the crime cartels who employ him.
Review: When I first saw the trailer and poster for MR. RIGHT I was a bit concerned about the chemistry of the two stars. Though I am a devoted fan of both Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick I didn't know how I would take them as an onscreen duo. Of course my worries were in vain; because they nail it.
Martha (Kendrick) is a young lady who has the worst luck with guys. If there is a wrong one out there she will pick him. When she bumps into - literally - "Mr. Right" (Rockwell) his quirky demeanor and psychotic behavior should be an instant red flag. But instead she is totally smitten, and likewise him with her. The two begin a relationship that is equal parts romance and 'run and hide'. Martha is drawn to his open nature and how he seems to not care what people think about him. His dry wit and goofiness fuel her attraction. As the story progresses he tells her what he does for a living but she thinks he is just making up funny stories. Never does she realize that he is telling her the truth. It is that far fetched in her mind. He has never met anyone like Martha and is willing to give it all up for her if they can both stay alive long enough.
Rockwell as a slightly off kilter hitman is awesome. He has given us many memorable characters throughout his career from the whacky to the endearing. But few times has he seemed so at ease with the dialogue and movements as with this one. The confidence in which he takes each step makes the character dynamic. But at the same time he embraces the silly psychotic persona and folds it in seamlessly. So what we get is a unique gun for hire that you want more and more of. Half way through the movie I was already dreaming of a sequel.
Kendrick has shown she can do comedy as well as romantic roles. Most of her characters are easily recognizable as Anna. She can be brainy or clueless and yet the central core is all Kendrick. In this film she not only spars wittingly with Rockwell but compliments his character with her own. There is a chemistry with them that sizzles naturally. They do a dance that is seductive and fun to watch. You want them to end up together just to see what sort of shenanigans they will get into next.
The script is a solid blend of romance, comedy, and action. Unlike most hitman movies this one makes no attempt to hide the humor under a cloak of hardened criminals. It wants you to laugh with it and at it. And you will. Also it is very gender neutral. It isn't a split movie where the guys will like the action and the girls the romance. It blends so well that everyone can enjoy it all.
MR. RIGHT is rated R for violence and language throughout. It is an adult film and earns the R rating. There is a fair share of blood and battles. The language is foul but these are not alter boys. All of the elements fit the narrative and personas of the characters. I give it 4 out of 5 Elmer Fudd guns. It is no award winner or advancement in cinematic majesty but it is a heck of a lot of fun to watch with characters you can't get enough of.
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