Crappy film

A lot of fun.

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

Joe Mantegna was an excellent choice to play the dying hit-man in "The Last Hit Man", and he does not disappoint. His understated performance is mirrored by the fine acting of all involved. The story is a real grabber, unique, with unexpected bursts of dark humor. Although there is certainly more drama than comedy, the mix seems perfect. The three main characters are well developed, and actually quite sympathetic for being contract killers. Paul Bartel would have had a field day with this script, probably tipping the scales in favor of more black comedy, but director Christopher Smets has done just fine with the restrained humor. Recommended viewing for those looking for something different. - MERK

Director-writer Smets injects life into a tired genre with this top-notch throw-back which combines black comedy and genuine pathos with ease and skill. Smets was certainly influenced by crime dramas of the 70's (most notably, The Mechanic). His subdued style and pacing is a welcome change from the usual shock and awe of Hollywood. His characters speak from the heart and head and could be your father, sister, or next door neighbour. The film never takes itself too seriously until it matters, nor does it get bogged down with pop-culture references and post-modern irony. I look forward to more films by this talented director.

For those of you who always wanted to be Han...not Luke, the characters in this movie continue the great tradition of lovable anti-heroes. I especially enjoyed the father-daughter stuff...and would like to hang-out with that family anytime. (And I've bought it on DVD, so I guess I can!) Christopher Warre Smets (writer/director) really understands the flow of dialogue. Consider the fact that Joe Mantagna, who is known for channeling David Mamet, opted to speak the words of C.W. Smets. (There's something to that.) Plus the script strikes just the right balance of humour and pathos. By the way...this movie begs for a sequel.

We didn't know what to hope for when we sat down to watch The Last Hit Man. The trailer sort of prepared us for more of an action film. There's plenty of action, but the real story is more internal. We got very caught up in it.There are some very funny lines and almost a screwball style to parts of the movie, especially at the start; and then it settles into a bit of a nightmare and leads to a conclusion that is at the same time satisfying and open-ended.In the "about" feature the director said that during shooting the main actors would come to him with suggestions about lines that could be cut to make the story tighter and the to tell more by saying less. The result works pretty well, even though there is a slight sag toward pathos at one point.We will certainly watch it again, and will buy copies of the DVD to share with others.LATE NEWS!~ April 2: "Last Hit Man" won Best Feature Film at the Canadian Film Festival in Toronto in March!