“It’s a movie that gets by doing the bare minimum.”
Gemini Man is an action movie starring Will Smith in the lead role, with his main nemesis for a good part of the film being a younger version of himself. At it’s core, it’s a story of the younger clone trying to kill the older guy, and that’s all you really need to know about the plot. For now, just take my word for it that Gemini Man is an underwhelming experience. There are no twists, or at least, no twists that challenge your expectations. It’s a movie that gets by doing the bare minimum to get from the opening titles to the end credits, without challenging the viewer too much, but throwing in just enough special effects to trick them into thinking they got their money’s worth from the experience.
Speaking of the special effects, the aforementioned clone is essentially, well, a computer-generated effect, used to overlay a younger version of Will Smith onto the screen, allowing him to inhabit the same scenes as the “real” actors. It’s an impressive achievement from a technical standpoint for sure, but there is definitely something ever-so-slightly off about him (he dances around the edges of the uncanny valley), and this sometimes had the unfortunate effect of taking me out of the story (which wasn’t difficult, because the story isn’t particularly compelling anyway). This detracted from the action sequences because at the back of my head I always knew the actor I was looking at wasn’t real, lessening the tension felt during the film’s more climactic moments.
Being unable to connect with a character in an emotional capacity is one thing, but being unable to truly believe a character is inhabiting the world in which the film takes place elevates this feeling of disconnect to new heights. And when one of the characters feels fake, it only serves to emphasise how fake the rest of the special effects feel as well. These effects unfortunately rely on noticeable CGI elements, meaning that when Will’s clone is in the middle of the action, surrounded by fire and bullets, you can’t help but feel like you’re looking at something entirely churned out by a computer. (Most of it probably is, but it shouldn’t feel that way)
Don’t get me wrong here. This is not bad CGI by any means. The fact a film can now prominently feature computer-generated actors interacting with the real world and other human actors and be somewhat taken seriously is an achievement in itself. In passing moments, the cloned Will Smith looks genuinely real and that is incredible. But to me, the incredible CGI doesn’t feel utilised in the best way, or perhaps it was over-utilised. Rather than complementing the action, it feels like they took Will Smith’s clone and then they just went “Sod it!” and did the rest of the scene in the computer while they were there. It’s noticeable – in particular, you notice it when it comes to the movement of characters and vehicles – and the best CGI really shouldn’t be noticeable.
What ever happened to Will Smith? The only reason anyone is talking about this film in the first place is that Will Smith is in it… twice. And yet he does nothing here that justifies the level of interest this film has generated. Actors like Will Smith have become so popular and successful because they made a name for themselves playing charismatic and fun characters that cinema-goers enjoy watching, and I don’t understand why you would cast someone like Will Smith if you are going to have him play such a bland and serious character. I’m not saying Will Smith should only portray energetic or comedic characters – he is a good actor and has proven this in previous outings – but Gemini Man is a movie that is in desperate need of some personality. So seeing as the writing is not clever or emotional enough for an amazing acting performance to steal the show, couldn’t we at least have some fun? This film had practically no jokes – no sense of humour to speak of.
Will Smith is a good actor with a good range and is likeable and entertaining. Why cast him at all if you’re going to box him in with such an uninspired role? He’s truly wasted here and that’s a shame.
Looking at the rest of the cast, acting is serviceable but the characters are lacking in charm and have little in the way of chemistry between them. They felt disposable, serving as inoffensive plot conveniences that the audience doesn’t need to worry too much about. The villain was so lacking in depth I felt nothing for him whatsoever.
Of all the critical things that could be written about a movie, some may argue that to be labelled “plain” is the most damning indictment of all. So I should be clear that when I write now that I believe Gemini Man to be a “plain” movie, it’s not because I think it has bad acting, bad effects, an unoriginal premise or even that the writing is particularly lazy. Not at all, but here’s the thing. The acting is competent – enough. The effects are competent – enough. The premise is interesting – the hook is there – but there is no pay-off. The writing isn’t lazy, because – as much as it pains me to admit it – I wasn’t actually bored. It’s just a movie that has no flavour – no personality. And it’s not worth your time. Unless you really enjoy watching two Will Smiths.
Bucklebob Films 