Review: The Gray Man

courtesy of NETFLIX (Gosling); (EVans)

The Gray Man is a fun high-octane, non-stop adrenaline rush full of vibrant colors, explosions and some of the most attractive faces in Hollywood. It’s a considerably solid movie that plays it safe, the story and the dialogue can be a little silly, but ultimately we’re watching for the ass-kicking.

Following their immense Marvel success The Russo Brothers have once again teamed up with screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely to make the new action-thriller The Gray Man. The high-octane $200-million Netflix/AGBO produced film based on Mark Greaney’s novel drops on Netflix this Friday and is available in select theaters. The film stars Golden Globe nominee Ryan Gosling as CIA operative Court Gentry aka Sierra Six who goes toe to toe with former Captain America, (Chris Evans) who plays Lloyd Hansen, a former cohort at the CIA, who will stop at nothing to take him out. This non-stop adrenaline rush is sure to wow audiences with its explosions, effects, and impressive stunt work although it isn't anything extraordinary or original. 

When the CIA’s most skilled operative—whose true identity is known to none—
accidentally uncovers dark agency secrets, a psychopathic former colleague puts a bounty on his head,
setting off a global manhunt by international assassins.

The action-packed thriller is Gosling’s first venture with the Russo Brothers, and his return to mega- action blockbuster’s since his lead role in Blade Runner 2047. He plays the skilled operative Court Gentry aka Six, who we first get introduced to in a federal penitentiary. He is recruited by his handler, Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton) who he builds a father-son type relationship with over the years. Under Fitzroy, Six earns his ranking as one of the best agents in the covert program known as Sierra, making a name for himself while remaining hidden in the shadows. Gentry was once a highly-skilled, Agency-sanctioned merchant of death, but now the tables have turned as he becomes the target, hunted internationally by psychopath Lloyd Hansen. 

“The Gray Man” Sierra program is an unofficial government sanctioned operation that recruits nameless assassins and offers them limited sentences in exchange for a lifelong commitment. These assets are chosen for certain skill-sets, a lack of family and lack of morality. After years of loyalty to the program Sierra Six is now targeted by the agency currently run by the entitled and whiny Denny Carmichael (Regé-Jean Page). Six is now on the run as he has something they want, which is the only thing keeping him alive. In a web of co-conspiracies and competitors, Six doesn't kill for pleasure or a price, unlike the other deadly assassins currently hunting him. He also has to save a kid in the process, who Carmichael has kidnapped as collateral.

NETFLIX: Court Gentry (Gosling)

“It’s really the first time in his life that he’s had any kind of power. He was powerless as a child to a very domineering father, he was powerless to the prison system and then powerless to the CIA. So, even though everything is very cinematic and the stakes are heightened, his story is very relatable in a way because all he really wants is to have some kind of control over himself and over his own life.” - Gosling 

Gosling is badass, sarcastic and makes being an assassin look like a walk in the park. He has a natural presence on screen that keeps viewers captivated and cheering him on. The movie delves into his past ever so slightly, with just enough insight into why his life has gone down this path of mayhem. Aside from that we don't know much about his character which adds to the mystery of Sierra Six.

Gosling Vs. Evans

“Extra 10 lol to the first guy to put a bullet in this Ken dolls brain “ - Lloyd Hansen

Evans reunites with the Russo Bros. but this time as the villain, Former CIA recruit Lloyd Hansen, who lasted only five-and-a-half months with the agency before being dismissed for unauthorized torture and lack of impulse control. A free-agent assassin, he torments his targets for sport. Hired by Carmichael, a former schoolmate, to hunt the Gray Man, he’s never learned to play nicely with others and enjoys tormenting people. His character is unbelievable, outrageous and oh that ridiculous stache, but it works! Evans is hilarious as the compulsive, hothead, and psychopathic loose cannon that cannot be contained. He is extremely impulsive, has no ethics whatsoever, and condones all kinds of unsanctioned torture. He goes on a wild and menacing goose chase to hunt down his prey (Six) with an insane amount of collateral. Gosling and Evans are so thoroughly entertaining and work magic together as the hostile adversaries.

Evans on playing Lloyd

“Lloyd is at his most dangerous when he’s at his most friendly.”

“My mustache! [Laughs] What can I say? Certain characters just come to life through something simple, whether it’s wardrobe or a prop. The second that we cut that mustache I was like 'Oh there he is, there’s this psycho.'
But seriously, I’m excited for audiences to see Ryan in a true action movie and to have so many good characters and so many good performances and to blend those worlds of action and drama.”

Ana de Armas reunites with both her co-stars from Blade Runner 2049 (Gosling), and Knives Out (Evans) in the all-star studded film. She plays Dani Miranda, a smart and kickass agent who helps Six with his mission, however the movie does little to show any sort of range of her acting chops. She is very one-dimensional and doesn't get much time to shine aside from being a typical pretty sidekick. They could have given her character more depth and played with the possibility of her being a rogue agent or a key operative more.

NETFLIX Page, Armas

Regé-Jean Page plays the toxic misogynistic power hungry and entitled Agency Group Chief Denny Carmichael, but unfortunately Page also comes off as just another attractive face thrown in the mix. Denny is incredibly whiny, throws temper tantrums and complains a lot. His character is very stereotypical as the new head honcho in charge, who has a power-trip and is clearly hiding something. What the film fails to show is exactly what that is, it is kind of brushed over very quickly- the typical overt ops, conspiracies and cover-ups in a minute of uncovered footage. The film could have made him a little more menacing.

The Russo brothers certainly raised the bar for blockbuster filmmaking in artistry, scope, and box office returns with their string of MCU properties. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019), which in addition to concluding the “Avengers saga” racked up numerous industry records, including Biggest Single-Day Gross, Highest-Grossing Opening Weekend, and Highest-Grossing Film of All Time.” (netflix)

Without a doubt this is visually a Russo brothers movie, with its incredible cinematography, wide- angle shots, globe-trotting and impressive stunt work. There was loads of action, great hand-to-hand combat/gunplay and some memorable action scenes. Overall, the movie is a lot of fun but it is unoriginal and brings nothing new to the spy-action genre. It lacked any actual detective work, espionage, or smarts. It displays concepts we've seen over and over again- the unrealistic jump out of a burning plane scene, the jump off a moving train onto your buddies car scene, and even somewhat similar premises to movies like the Bourne series and Looper. 

From a storytelling standpoint it generally keeps it safe and some jokes just don't land. It is not quite original and lacks its own identity. The colors scheme is vibrant neon reminiscent of the visuals of the John Wick franchise, although this was aesthetically pleasing as they traveled around the world showcasing different countries and backdrops. The third act and very last scene were unanticipated but not in a good way. It seems as if they tried to make it a common theme “just another Thursday '' but it just didn’t stick as the last escape was unrealistic, frivolous and unnecessary. The film featured mediocre storytelling, and a lot of things just don’t entirely make sense.

The Gray Man is a fun high-octane, non-stop adrenaline rush full of vibrant colors, explosions and some of the most attractive faces in Hollywood. It’s a considerably solid movie that plays it safe, the story and the dialogue can be a little silly, but ultimately we’re watching for the ass-kicking.

THE GRAY MAN RELEASES GLOBALLY ON NETFLIX ON JULY 22, 2022

Overall: 7/10

While the adrenaline-filled film boasts an all-star cast, top-notch camera-work and impressive stunt work, it lacks in character development and story giving us concepts we’ve seen over and over. However, it's clearly a Russo Brothers movie as they deliver a film that is sure to drive audiences to screens as it displays impressive hand-to-hand combat, massive shootouts, and high-speed chases with a very enticing cast that makes it absolutely worth the watch.

Sweet Suite 2022 - Upcoming Releases from FUNKO GAMES !

By Nadya Martinez

Last week O&G got to check out all the latest toys at SWEET SUITE !

Hosted by the Toy Insider, Sweet Suite is a legendary toy party for members of the press and top-tier digital influencers, including Instagram stars and popular YouTube creators. At Sweet Suite 2022, guests will get up close and personal with the coolest new toys, collectibles, video games, and more from popular toy companies. This party is all about fun, and it’s full of interactive experiences like photo opps, contests, games, and so much more. Guests will enjoy delicious food and cocktails, all while getting a first look at new product reveals and getting inspired for upcoming holiday gift guides.

Here’s the latest from FUNKO GAMES !

A Goofy Movie Game

Global superstar Powerline is back on tour! Join Max and his friends as they hit the road in this adventure-filled race to the concert! Make your way across the map, collecting fun memories for your scrapbook. Then hurry to score the best seats by the time Powerline hits the stage!Play cards to collect memories and travel to new locations! Roll the die to see if Powerline reaches L.A. or Goofy takes you on a wacky detour! Make the most memories and score the best seats at the concert to win!I

Interesting Gameplay Features
•Includes 6 detailed character figures.
•Travel across the road map game board to reach L.A.
•Roll the giant gold, sparkly die to see where Goofy and Powerline go!
•90s visual design captures nostalgia for the film.
•Original card art depicts beloved locations and moments from the movie.

Game Contents
•Game Board •Goofy Mover •Powerline Mover •4 Character Movers •48 Character Cards •50 Scrapbook Cards •4 Reference Cards •6 Bonus Tokens •Die •Instructions

Game Details •Strategy game• Ages 7+ •For 2–4 players •30-minute gameplay •On-shelf mid-2022* •Game dimensions: 10.5”W x10.5”H x 2.5”D •Master case count 4 •MSRP $23.99

Disney A Goofy Movie Game MSRP: $23.99 Ages:7+
Available Now

Marvel Battleworld: Ultimate Armory Series 3

Battle Ball Pick your favorite Hero, rescue your friends, and win battles to defeat Thanos! Battleworld is a revolutionary cooperative, expandable, collectible adventure game featuring dozens of characters from all over the Marvel Universe! Players get to crack open the mysterious Thanostones during the course of play to reveal the mystery character inside for a constant sense of surprise and delight! Series 3 introduces us to brand new locations, battles, and exciting new game mechanics that will continue to challenge players and test their strategies!

Interesting Product Features
•Expanded series to include 30+ unique new characters from exciting locations all over Battleworld, including cool rare variants! Collect them all!
•New Armor Tokens make the Battles more challenging but also aid the Heroes in making more powerful attacks!
•Unique team-based or solo gameplay allows players to jump into Battle world right away!
•Collectible characters come with their own game cards for immersive, cooperative play. Collect all the unique powers and abilities!
•Free the mystery character from the “Thanostone.” Each time youcrack one open, it’s a surprise!

Marvel Battleworld: Series 3 Ultimate Armory Battle Ball MSRP: $9.99 Ages:6+
Available Now

Disney Kingdomania: Series 1 – Game Ball

Enter the digital game world of Disney Kingdomania! Each level features cherished Disney stories and characters, but troublesome Glitches are causing chaos and mixing up the levels! Patch the problems before they crash the game!Each Game Ball contains everything you need to play, including two mystery characters and 10 unique level tiles. Combine multiple Game Balls for more players, and expand the fun with dozens of figures to collect!

Interesting Gameplay Features
•Series 1 features 40 figures from eight beloved Disney properties. Collect them all—including exclusive items, variants, and chase figures!
•Each Game Ball contains everything you need to play, including two character figures with unique game tiles and special powers.
•Play solo or combine Game Balls to add more players!
•Build your own game level each time you play, and collect more tiles to create bigger, multi-level games.
•Discover the rare Glitch figures—only available in Game balls!

Disney Kingdomania: Series 1 Game Ball MSRP: $9.99Ages: 6+
Available:October 2022

Disney Kingdomania: Series 1 Super Game Pack MSRP: $22.99 Ages: 6+
Available:October 20

TRIBECA GAMES Festival Spotlight: All the Featured Games - Video/ Gameplay & Demos

Otakus and Geeks got to attend the Tribeca Press Preview days for Tribeca Games and experience playable demos of the upcoming featured games. This year’s Festival features 9 official Games selections that demonstrate phenomenal storytelling, art, and innovation through interactive experiences. I got to play and experience each of these game selections, and also speak with some of the creators. Every single one of these games was intriguing, well- thought out and completely original.

You can check my coverage HERE: http://www.otakusandgeeks.com/articles/2022/6/21/tribeca-games-spotlight-all-the-extraordinary-video-games-at-the-2022-tribeca-games-showcase/author

The games featured in the gallery include:

-American Arcadia (Out of the Blue Studios / Raw Fury)

-As Dusk Falls (INTERIOR/NIGHT / Xbox Game Studios)

-The Cub (Demagog Studio / Untold Tales)

-Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course (Studio MDHR)

-IMMORTALITY (Half Mermaid)

-OXENFREE II: Lost Signals (Night School Studio / Netflix)

-A Plague Tale: Requiem (Asobo Studio / Focus Entertainment)

-Thirsty Suitors (Outerloop Games / Annapurna Interactive)

-Venba (Visai Games)

Tribeca Games Spotlight: AS DUSK FALLS Interview w/ Production Director

Tribeca Games Spotlight: AS DUSK FALLS (XBOX) Interview w/ Production Director Charu Desodt

As Dusk Falls (INTERIOR/NIGHT / Xbox Game Studios) Drama, Thriller *Mature
Watch Trailer HERE: https://vimeo.com/702537117
Available on July 19, 2022

Otakus and Geeks got to attend the Tribeca Press Preview days for Tribeca Games and experience playable demos of the upcoming featured games. This year’s Festival features 9 official Games selections that demonstrate phenomenal storytelling, art, and innovation through interactive experiences. I got to play and experience each of these game selections, and also speak with some of the creators. Every single one of these games was intriguing, well- thought out and completely original. A game that completely caught my attention is the new thriller “As Dusk Falls” coming from X-Box Studios, this game is going to be a literal game-changer. You can check more of my TRIBECA coverage HERE: http://www.otakusandgeeks.com/article...

As Dusk Falls is an original interactive drama from INTERIOR/NIGHT that explores the entangled lives of two families across thirty years. Starting in 1998 with a robbery-gone-wrong in small town Arizona, the choices you make have a powerful impact on the characters’ lives in this uncompromising story of betrayal, sacrifice and resilience.

The cinematic story is brought to life by the performance of actors that are digitally rendered into a beautiful art style, creating a unique experience that plays like a motion graphic novel.

Reveal insights about yourself and those you play with as you discover the underlying values of your decisions in cooperative gameplay with up to 8 players at a time, locally or online (or a mix).*

*Courtesy of XBOX Game Studios/ Microsoft

Additional information

MATURE 17+

• Intense Violence, Blood, Sexual Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Crude Humor

• Publisher

• Xbox Game Studios

• Developer

• INTERIOR/NIGHT

• Genre

• Interactive Drama

• Platforms

• Xbox Series X|S
  Xbox One
  Windows 10/11

Tribeca Games Spotlight: All the extraordinary Video Games at the 2022 Tribeca Games Showcase

Otakus and Geeks got to attend the Tribeca Press Preview days for Tribeca Games and experience playable demos of the upcoming featured games. This year’s Festival features 9 official Games selections that demonstrate phenomenal storytelling, art, and innovation through interactive experiences. Festival goers will be the first to experience a playable Games Gallery at Spring Studios, featuring demos, art, and artifacts for this year’s selections, which include: American Arcadia, As Dusk Falls, The Cub, Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course, IMMORTALITY, OXENFREE II: Lost Signals, A Plague Tale: Requiem, Thirsty Suitors and Venba.

I got to play and experience each of these game selections, and also speak with some of the creators. Every single one of these games was intriguing, well- thought out and completely original. A game that completely caught my attention is the new thriller “As Dusk Falls” coming from X-Box Studios, this game is going to be a literal game-changer.
You can check my coverage here!

Check out all of the Tribeca Games Selections Below:

Tribeca Games at the Tribeca Festival celebrates the convergence of games, entertainment and culture, highlighting the storytelling, art and innovation of games. Tribeca champions every frontier in the art of storytelling, and video games are at the forefront of pushing narrative to ever greater heights. 

Our advisory board of visionary leaders in both the film and games industry champion Tribeca’s power in shaping the future of games as a powerful form of storytelling.

The festival kicked off with the Tribeca Games Spotlight, a digital showcase featuring exclusive gameplay and creator interviews from Tribeca’s official selections co-hosted by Janina Gavankar, Rahul Kohli, and Abubakar Salim. (June 10th) www.tribecafilm.com/games

American Arcadia (Out of the Blue Studios / Raw Fury)
Action, Drama, Thriller, Science Fiction, Technology

Welcome to Arcadia! A 70s retro-futuristic metropolis where all of its citizens enjoy a life of luxury and comfort… unaware that they’re being broadcast live 24/7! Arcadia is not an ordinary city, but the most-watched reality show on the planet—where a drop in popularity ratings comes at the highest cost: death. Uncover the truth and escape with your life from a televised utopia in Out of the Blue’s brand new puzzle platformer game.

As Dusk Falls (INTERIOR/NIGHT / Xbox Game Studios)
Drama, Thriller *Mature

As Dusk Falls is an original interactive drama from INTERIOR/NIGHT that explores the entangled lives of two families across thirty years. Starting in 1998 with a robbery-gone-wrong in small town Arizona, the choices you make have a powerful impact on the characters’ lives in this uncompromising story of betrayal, sacrifice and resilience.

The Cub (Demagog Studio / Untold Tales)
Action, Environmental, Music, Science Fiction

Welcome to Earth after The Great Climate Catastrophe, where only the ultra-rich managed to evacuate to Mars. Decades have passed and those on Mars venture back to Earth to collect specimens like a safari hunt. As the Cub, a mutant orphan immune to the toxins that killed off most of humanity, players will be relentlessly hunted by a science expedition and must run to safety amongst the ruins of Earth. Featuring an original soundtrack program, Radio Nostalgia from Mars.

Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course (Studio MDHR)
Animation, Action

Another helping of classic Cuphead action awaits you in Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course. Brothers Cuphead and Mugman are joined by the clever, adventurous Ms. Chalice for a rollicking adventure on a previously undiscovered Inkwell Isle. With the aid of new weapons, magical charms, and Ms. Chalice’s unique abilities, assist the jolly Chef Saltbaker and take on a new cast of fearsome, larger-than-life bosses in Cuphead’s final challenging quest.

IMMORTALITY (Half Mermaid Productions)
Experimental, Horror, Thriller, Art, Mystery *Mature

Marissa Marcel was a film star. She made three movies. But none of the movies were ever released. And then Marissa Marcel disappeared.

After discovering rare footage from her three lost movies—Ambrosio (1968), Minsky (1970) and Two of Everything (1999)—award winning Game Director Sam Barlow (Her Story, Telling Lies) has assembled an interactive trilogy in which players can explore the legend of Marissa Marcel through her work.

OXENFREE II: Lost Signals (Night School Studio / Netflix)
Animation, Drama, Thriller, Science Fiction, Mystery

OXENFREE II: Lost Signals is the mind-bending follow-up to the critically-acclaimed narrative adventure game OXENFREE from Night School Studio. In the small coastal town of Camena, unnaturally occurring electromagnetic waves are causing interference with electrical and radio equipment. Reluctantly, Riley Poverly returns to her hometown to investigate the mystery. What she finds is more than she bargained for.

A Plague Tale: Requiem (Asobo Studio / Focus Entertainment)
Horror, Action, Women, Drama, Thriller, Mystery

This direct sequel to A Plague Tale: Innocence follows Amicia and her brother Hugo on a heartrending journey into a breathtaking, brutal medieval world twisted by supernatural forces as they discover the cost of saving loved ones in a desperate struggle for survival. Strike from the shadows or unleash hell, and overcome foes and challenges with a variety of weapons, tools, and unearthly powers. A Plague Tale : Requiem will be released in 2022 on consoles and PC.

Thirsty Suitors (Outerloop Games / Annapurna Interactive)
Action, Women, Comedy, Drama, LGBTQIA, Romance, Asian Diaspora Stories

Jala is a young woman returning home for her sister’s wedding and confronting her past. With wildly varied gameplay, Jala will fight skate punks, random suitors, and ultimately, her exes, in the ultimate battle to heal old hurts and ignite new truths, bringing Jala closer to understanding what she wants from her future. Can she learn to love herself and heal the wounds of her past?

Venba (Visai Games)
Animation, Experimental, Food, Asian Diaspora Stories

Venba is a narrative cooking game centered around an Indian mom who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Players will cook various dishes, restore lost recipes, engage in branching conversations, and explore a story about family, love, loss and more.