IR Film Review: FAST CHARLIE [Vertical]

The aspect of the hitman genre has to move with the concept of a knowledge that, for some, this is a job like any other. It requires finesse with intelligence and a morally dubious countenance. With "Fast Charlie", Pierce Brosnan takes on the role of Charlie Swift, a smooth if reflexively loyal triggerman with a sense of the elegant but not as much the smooth but he does his best. Of course, there is a little bit of the riff of his former James Bond but he is Southerner in this through and through. Swift is a man ensconced in the coastal area of Mississippi (Biloxi) where he stays true to his mentor and protector Stan (James Caan in his final role). There is something familial about their relationship. But even infirmed, Stan knows what he wants, which might cost him and Charlie a bit.

The crux of the movie reflects around a new school gangster out of New Orleans who controls the rackets and wants a piece of their land and movement (since casinos are a big thing in Biloxi). Originally Morgan Freeman was going to play a role (likely Caan's) since he is a resident of Mississippi and is a big supporter there but that obviously didn't pan out. Brosnan's initial context is to take out a man who is simply a mark but he is forced to take along a secondary bag man who is simply an idiot. The actor in that role seems like he was just thrilled to be in a film with Brosnan (the actor was likely a local). But from there things go downhill for Brosnan's character in terms of plot. It is about battling his way back against his detractors.

Morena Baccarin plays a taxidermist named Marcie who was connected romantically to the mark. She and Brosnan have an inate chemistry despite the age difference. The film shows that Brosnan still has that swagger even though he has been focusing more on character pieces as he grows older. This film however is a nice low budget throwback cobbled together from various companies. The ruthlessness in certain scenes again show Brosnan's ability to still do what he does best. Liam Neeson as a comparative is a little more brutish but it would be nice to see Brosnan do more of these. The reality though is that Brosnan knows (having had interaction with his development company during the Bond years) an efficient script. This script was passable and decently structured across the board with enough great little moments (i.e. the Sharon Gless cameo ala "Burn Notice" -- which gives a nice spice towards the end). Ultimately, "Fast Charlie" is about a man who knows what he wants, what he wants to protect and what he is loyal to, which is as good a reason as any to get up in the morning. B+

By Tim Wassberg