Greedy People Moview Review: Greedy People, a recent action-comedy, brings with it a unique blend of humor and chaotic storytelling. Directed by Potsy Ponciroli, the film manages to deliver a few memorable moments but ultimately struggles to find its rhythm. This review takes a closer look at the film’s merits and shortcomings.
A Mixed Bag: Promising Opening, Meandering Middle
The movie starts with an exciting and brisk opening that shows promise. However, it quickly loses steam as the story meanders through a muddled middle act. The rushed climax fails to tie up the narrative with the finesse that its early moments suggested. Greedy People remains a film that can’t seem to hit its stride, despite the attempts to create an action-comedy with depth.
The Dynamic Duo: Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Himesh Patel
At the heart of Greedy People is the unusual pairing of Officer Terry Brogan, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Will Shelley, portrayed by Himesh Patel. Although their chemistry is lacking, it is clear that this contrast between the two characters is intentional.
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Terry Brogan: Gordon-Levitt’s flamboyant cop is charismatic and entertaining, even if the film struggles to give him a meaningful arc. His humorous one-liners and over-the-top persona are certainly engaging, yet they fail to lift the film beyond mediocrity.
- Himesh Patel as Will Shelley: Will, the more reserved and earnest cop, is a stark contrast to Terry. His stoic nature and less flashy demeanor create an interesting dynamic, but the lack of rapport between the two undermines the potential for a successful buddy-cop film.
Plot Overview: A Spiraling Series of Misunderstandings
The film revolves around Terry and Will, two mismatched cops in Providence, a town with a surprisingly low crime rate. Will’s first day on the job sets the stage for a series of unfortunate events, including a fatal misunderstanding that spirals into an unexpected discovery—a million-dollar fortune.
- The Catalyst: An accidental death, which occurs during a supposed burglary, leads the pair into a web of conspiracies and dangerous encounters. The stakes rise as the two officers, in over their heads, try to navigate their personal and professional crises.
- Supporting Cast: The film also introduces a colorful cast of supporting characters, including a seafood trader (Tim Blake Nelson) with a nefarious agenda, a Colombian hitman (Jose Maria Yazpik), and a dog-loving wife, Paige (Lily James). These characters add flavor but are often underdeveloped, making their antics feel somewhat forced.
Lack of Chemistry: The Unlikely Pair Struggles
Terry and Will’s lack of chemistry isn’t a hindrance to the plot, but it’s a missed opportunity for the film to explore the camaraderie that often defines action-comedy partnerships. Terry’s cocksure attitude is at odds with Will’s more reserved nature, making their relationship feel disjointed rather than complementary.
- Character Backstories: Both characters have fleeting backstories that are only referenced in passing. These details help to explain their behavior but are insufficient in giving depth to their motivations.
The Noir Influence: A Film Struggling with Tone
Greedy People attempts a noir-inspired tone, but the film’s heavy-handed approach to crime and conspiracy detracts from its potential to be a fun, fast-paced action comedy. The slow unraveling of each subplot feels laborious, leaving the viewer with a sense of impatience as the film struggles to regain momentum.
- Unclear Motivations: The motivations behind the actions of several characters remain vague, including the seafood trader’s plans and the Colombian hitman’s hidden agenda. The lack of clarity in these character arcs hinders the film’s ability to effectively deliver humor and suspense.
Action Sequences: Too Little, Too Late
Despite the buildup, Greedy People doesn’t deliver a full-throttle action sequence until the final 30 minutes. This late surge in action feels rushed, and the lack of suspense or genuine excitement makes it hard to engage with the climactic moments.
- Final Act: Terry’s confrontation with a masked assailant and the subsequent violence feel disconnected and lack the adrenaline-pumping thrill that one would expect from a film of this genre. The violence is quick and chaotic, offering little emotional payoff.
Performances: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Steals the Show
While Himesh Patel holds his own as the more grounded Will, it is Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s performance as Terry that stands out. His comedic timing and energetic portrayal of his character bring much-needed levity to an otherwise uneven film.
Despite his best efforts, Gordon-Levitt’s performance is unable to elevate Greedy People into a more compelling experience.
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
Greedy People had the potential to be a quirky, high-energy action comedy but ultimately falters due to its lack of coherent storytelling and the missed opportunity for character chemistry. While the film has its moments, especially with Gordon-Levitt’s standout performance, it ultimately struggles to deliver on its promise.
- For Fans of Action-Comedy: If you’re a fan of quirky buddy-cop films, Greedy People might offer some entertainment, but it is unlikely to stand out among its peers.
- Notable Performances: While the actors bring their A-game, the script and direction fail to provide the depth and excitement necessary for the film to leave a lasting impact.
