Gringo 2018 * * 1/2 Stars

Director: Nash Edgerton
Year: 2018
Rated R
Rating: * * 1/2 Stars
Cast: David Oyelowo, Charlize Theron, Joel Edgerton

I remember reading reviews about box office flops resembling 2018's Gringo (my latest write-up). That was a long time ago. Studios rarely make out of the blue stuff like Gringo these days. I mean they did but it was probably back in the late 80's or early 90's.

Anyway, Gringo is a case of mistaken identity, a gagman's true wet dream, and a way-out black comedy that's the movie equivalent of a rabid "dingo" (ha-ha). Gringo is also more happy-go-lucky than most dark comedies and definitely more commercial.

As something about a mild-mannered businessman who gets embroiled in a drug cartel via the country of Mexico, Gringo makes you want to avoid visiting said country unless you plan to stick to the touristy areas. In truth, this flick is a mixture of high-octane violence, Mexican standoffs (naturally), look at me banter, and clear-sighted stunt work. Many known actors working with Gringo's textured script, bark into the camera as they constantly try to one-up each other in the snarky department.

Gringo at an hour and fifty-one minutes, stars David Oyelowo, Charlize Theron, Joel Edgerton, Amanda Seyfried, Sharlto Copley, and Thandie Newton. Director Nash Edgerton (Joel's older brother) tries to give everyone ample screen time. Some of his characters are underdeveloped, some of them fade in and out, and some of them surround as dregs. Almost all of the personae are anywhere between despicable, heartless, and scurvy.

In Gringo, the bad guys get theirs and the nice guy protagonist (Oyelowo as lowly Harold) finishes first for a change. And oh yeah, Gringo is yet another flick where we see Joel Edgerton get arrested for being a naughty, naughty boy (spoiler).

All in all, despite some dexterous shootouts and a modern film score that resembles all things Alan Silvestri, Gringo has many unfinished plot contrivances giving the movie a chintzy, cut-and-pasted feel. I can't quite recommend it but it's worth at least one look.

Bottom line: Gringo may be imprecise by today's uber drug tale standards. Still, it's abruptly paced, contains sound R-rated sitcom humor, and is entertaining to a fault. My rating: 2 and a half stars.

Written by Jesse Burleson