by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What can be said about the career of one of the famous Hollywood Chrises, Chris Pine? Pine is most well-known for his time as Captain Kirk in the J.J. Abrams era of Star Trek, but he is so much more than that. He is a talented singer, and his role in Into the Woods is one highlight (“Agony” is a JAM). He showed he could carry a great genre drama in films like Hell or High Water and The Outlaw King. But Pine’s latest film, The Contractor, finds him back in the action movie genre, but with a bit more emotion to add in.
What does director Tarik Saleh offer up in this new thriller? Pine stars as a military man thrown to the curb just so that his former commanding officer (Ben Foster) brings him in as a hired contractor. But when things go wrong, Pine’s James Harper must find his way back to his family. There is not a lot of action, but when it sporadically arrives, it packs a bloody punch. Saleh also takes a handle-held camera approach to the film that makes the experience feel engrossing and intimate. When there are some emotional moments, that camera creeping into the actor’s personal spaces is compelling and a bold choice. There are some moments where the narrative loses steam around the middle making the pacing a bit off. But at least there are some strong emotional moments to build up some connections to offset.
What about the actual screenplay? The Contractor will not be the most unique and fresh experience you have at the movies this year. You honestly can telegraph every single beat in the film from the start. I found myself seeing each “twist” coming a mile away. You will meet a character and see exactly what they represent. When the film tries to explain some of these “twists” in the middle, they just come off half-baked and inconsequential. Many of the characters are flatly written (especially Gillian Jacobs’ wife character), which creates a lack of depth as well. When it comes down to it, familiar beats are laid down, which leaves the film open to offer up some engaging technical aspects, action, and emotions.
What brings life to this standard thriller? This cast is the real highlight. Pine may seem like he is in a straightforward role at the start but when push comes to shove, he offers up some powerfully acted scenes that elevate the film. Foster is a hidden gem in every single film he finds himself in. He usually steals the show too. He did not quite in this one, but he is a strong support in many scenes with Pine. Kiefer Sutherland shows up, and while you know exactly where his character will go, he has a rugged presence about him that works. Jacobs is unfortunately wasted on a thankless “I’m your wife” role in the film as she does get to show her natural charisma at all.
Is this a winning thriller coming from Paramount? The story is certainly not the most refreshing or new take on stories we have seen before. Even the story that the film presents is predictable. But Pine offers up an engaging and emotional turn that adds a bit of fire along with some thrilling action. You might find yourself caring.
Score: 7/10
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