Gringo is full of belly-laughs as the lead characters elevate the film to keep you thoroughly entertained
The film does fall apart with too many packed-to-the-gills ensemble as Amanda Seyfried and Thandie Newton add nothing to it
This crime caper is far better than I expected and far better than it looks on paper.
Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo) is a boringly mediocre “yes man” at a pharmaceutical company, run by Elaine Markinson (Charlize Theron) and Richard Rusk (Joel Edgerton).
The company have developed a marijuana tablet called “Cannabax”, set to revolutionise the world and Harold is responsible for the manufacturing side of things, responsible for delivering the formula to the plant based over in Mexico.
Whilst there, he’s kidnapped by a Beatles obsessed drugs baron.
The company send a mercenary (Sharlto Copley) to rescue him... or do they?
Over the next couple of hours, we’re taken on a journey comprising drug smugglers, corporate takeovers, the cartel, mercenaries and a lot of tequila - the complete antithesis of Coco’s recent affectionate look at Mexico.
This is a packed-to-the-gills ensemble - but here’s where it slightly falls apart - it doesn’t really need that many.
You could easily lose several of the main cast (Amanda Seyfried and Thandie Newton are given nothing to do, Harry Treadway not much more) and give that wasted screen time to some of the characters that really make the film (Sharlto Copley in particular).
Luckily, the three leads elevate the film from good to very good indeed.
Joel Edgerton and Charlize Theron look like they had the time of their lives playing proper hammy, nasty piece of work, in particular Theron, who when allowed two flex her comedy muscle, really
shines.
MOST READ IN FILM
She gets the best line too - I’m having “Turtle-dicked ass pirate” put on a t-shirt.
David Oyelowo is bloody great too - again largely known for heavyweight drama, the lighter, almost “Manuel” innocence and bewilderment he brings to Harold is superb.
All in all, I enjoyed this. It’s daft, fast-paced and has plenty of belly-laughs.
Gringo
(15) 110mins
★★★☆☆