IR Film Review: THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD [Warner Brothers]
Angelina Jolie's return to a kind of thriller which started her career with films like "The Bone Collector" (which this reviewer talked to her for and many others) is an interesting train to return to. The process of selection for her is probably interesting simply because for the most part, in her own words, is that she has other considerations in life now of course and is more interested in directing. That said, this is the first time we have seen her back in action form but with a grounded structure ("Maleficent" is a different monster). That said from the first frame when she is hanging out with fellow fire jumpers, her ease in a scene is so much more than we have seen in many years. Her maturity in her skin makes her undeniably dynamic and reflexive.
While Taylor Sheridan's words are good, her character feels lived in, natural, but also effortless, steely and yet powerful and yet brutish and tender. Not many actresses can pull that off all at once. Now granted the story of the film has to motivate it to a certain point...and there is that. But it is the coolest and bad ass we have seen Jolie in a while. It is nice to hear her curse once in a while with a character that is flawed and vivacious, dark but also fun loving. The bigger idea of the story revolves back of course to survival and this takes the form of a kid who is placed in a scenario against his choosing (with the backdrop of a forest fire to boot). Going in, the thought is that this would be a story of fire jumpers but it is not. It is much more a noir and a character drama and thereby much better for it.
The characters from a pair of heavies to the local sheriff to a survival trained spouse all have their moments to shine. Jolie might be on the top of the call sheet but the movie, her and Sheridan lets all these characters breathe and share the story. All loose ends are not neatly put away and that is OK. The film feels great in its own skin. It also makes a difference for this reviewer to see it in an actual movie theater. As good as home entertainment viewing can be, a film like this with its massive overhead shots just feels right in a theater. "Those Who Wish Me Dead" is an intriguing spin on a movie we have seen before and yet is effectively done and entertaining. It is a fun romp with dark and dramatic overtones that doesn't hit the viewer over the head to learn something (or watch a bunch of CGI). It is old school while still being refreshingly of its time. B+
By Tim Wassberg
