by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Films can do so much with mysteries, whether they are serious and foreboding, campy romps, or just plain mysteries of human existence. But for almost 100 years, the detective story has been the driving force of such tales. Film noir became a defining genre if the era and has since morphed over the years to so many different forms. More specifically, the seedy private investigator stories have become a defining feature, with the hard-boiled investigator who is desperately trying to solve a tough case it the norm. Author Howard Michael Gould adapts his own detective novel into Last Looks.
So who is our P.I. that drives the story ahead? Charlie Waldo (Charlie Hunnam). Disgraced cop. Living in a trailer in the woods. Big burly beard. Sounds about right. But what changes? When a “femme fatale” from his past, Morena Baccarin’s Lorena, comes to rope him in for a new gig, he unfortunately gets dragged back to Los Angeles (the scene of his tragic fall). What is the case? The wife of a famous actor is murdered! But he had to do it, right? Charlie’s job is to not only prove this drunkard’s innocence, but also to unravel an incredible web of conspiracies and lies. Director Tim Kirkby can find both humor and tension along the way as he does his best to navigate this admittedly convoluted plot. Not every thread feels essential or fully fleshed out, but there is plenty to enjoy and connect with along the way.
But how about the mystery? When it comes to a P.I. story, that is essential. This mystery (or honestly, mysteries) come with plenty of tense and twists and turns. Kirkby builds up enough suspense to keep things interesting. The presentation is not quite even because some threads, interactions, and characters turn out to be more interesting than others. But when that happens, you just pine for the threads that are more interesting and engaging to return. This film is close to the two-hour mark and probably been a bit more streamlined. But Charlie is a flawed, yet empathetic character who only wants to live in seclusion before being thrusted back into the game. When things come together at the end, you care about who did it, and it might surprise you. The history between Charlie and Lorena makes for engaging motivations and their interactions make for a relationship with potential.
What about the actors who bring this big cast of characters to life? First off, Hunnam has really come into his own as an actor. Work with James Gray and Guy Ritchie has helped him find his footing, and he boasts that here. Even with shaving off the scruff (ill-advised from my perspective), he can be charming and engaging. Baccarin’s short time on screen is memorable and helps us understand Charlie’s pining for her. Mel Gibson of all actors portrays the accused, and his mixing of English and Southern accents is hilarious, and you cannot help but enjoy his time on screen. Rupert Friend is artificial and slimy in the best ways as a big money guy in the industry, while Clancy Brown is a tough-as-nails cop (a perfect bit of casting).
Is Last Looks worth your time? This little mystery is a fun romp that is better when it stays that way instead of getting too heavy. There might be a few too many threads to pick at, but overall, this is a fine little film. Come on and solve the mystery with this P.I. who hopefully might have some other cases to be explored in the future.
Grade: B-
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