In the Grey

The director, Guy Ritchie has been involved in many films, most that don't have an overly original premise, however, his incredibly distinct style makes these films stand out above so many other similar films. His slick style is why he's become a popular filmmaker--so much so, that it becomes pure joy and great entertainment to see his films, and "In the Grey" is no exception. 

"In the Grey" follows a covert team of elite operatives including Sid (Henry Cavill), Bronco (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Rachel (Eiza Gonzalez), who live in the global shadows, as comfortable wielding power and influence as they are automatic weapons and high explosives. When a ruthless despot Manny Salazar (Carlos Bardem) steals a billion-dollar fortune, the team is sent to steal it back on what would be for anyone else a suicide mission. What begins as an impossible heist gets much worse, spiraling into an all-out war of strategy, deception and survival.

Others to round out the cast are Fisher Stevens as William Horowitz, Rosamund Pike as Bobby Sheen, Michael Vu as Ed Glover, Mohammed Al Turki as Wolfgang Klose, Kojo Attah as Andre Baker, Jason Wong as Gucci Reyes, Emmett J. Scanlan as Mick Dunne, Christian Ochoa Lavernia as Jonathan Moreno and Gonzalo Bouza as Javier.

This was directed with the trademark, grit, intensity laced with slickness by the incomparable Guy Ritchie ("Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" '98, "Snatch"2000, "Swept Away" '02, "Revolver" '05, "RocknRolla" '08, "Sherlock Holmes" '09, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." '15, "Aladdin" '19, "The Gentlemen" '19, "The Covenant" '23 "Fountain of Youth" '25) plus other films, a TV movie, TV, shorts and music videos. I can't mention enough about Ritchie's distinct directing style since it is so compelling, and it is so distinct that, after a few minutes of running time, I can be clear that it is a Ritchie film without knowing the title. The photography by Ed Wild bsc, along with the slick editing by Martin Walsh ace, and Jim Weedon clearly had Ritchie's name and style on it. It was also executed well by writer Guy Ritchie ("Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" '98, "RocknRolla" '08, "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" '17, The Gentlemen" '19, "Wrath of Man" '21 "The Covenant" '23) plus other films, TV and shorts. While this film carried an interesting premise with lethal operatives working 'in the grey'--hence the name of the film, there were a couple of inconsistencies and choppiness within this script. It, like some other films, start with bringing its audience into a scene where bombs and bullets were flying, and then takes us back as a flashback, so we end up to where we 'came in at, and then continues, and this is a captivating format, but it could've been polished a bit more. But this certainly wasn't enough to detract from the excitement and explosiveness of the film. If you like this writer's style of writing and directing, his "Viva La Madness" is being filmed presently.

If you're a Ritchie fan, like I am, this will hit home with you. This filmmaker has worked his way up the directing ladder, and it hasn't been easy, but he has proven himself time and again. His style and slickness to his films carries an avid fanbase and will continue to do so. This is a rollicking, humorous, thrilling and explosive film for all to enjoy. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                           Rated: R                                           96mins.