Die Hart The Movie is the latest action comedy film set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video. The film is directed by Eric Appel (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and written by Derek Kolstad (John Wick: Chapters 1, 2 & 3). Produced by Hartbeat, which is Kevin Hart’s global media company.
The cast of the film includes Kevin Hart, John Travolta, Nathalie Emmanuel, Josh Hartnett, Jason Jones, Stephan Jones, Joshua Lamboy, Brandon Quinn, Milana Vayntrub, Kenneth Trujillo and Jean Reno. With a runtime of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, the film features the original ten-episode series of the same name, reimagined into a feature film format.
-Die Hart The Movie Review Does Not Contain Any Spoilers-
The story follows Kevin Hart playing a fictionalized version of himself, as he sets out to pivot away from being pigeon-holed as a comedy wingman to being taken seriously as an action movie star. Kevin Hart attends ‘action hero school’ run by Ron Wilcox, played by John Travolta, where he attempts to learn the ropes on how to become one of the industry’s most coveted action stars.
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The film starts off with a successful comedy star wanting to do more in his career and to be seen in a serious light, contrary to his popular persona. Like many, he is tired of playing the same stereotypical roles and wants to challenge himself. But the problem is, others dont think the same and the way he expresses his frustration, lands him in even more trouble.
Left with almost nothing, regaining his image as an action star, is all that’s left but with the eccentric coach Ron Wilcox, even that seems like a distant dream. John Travolta as the coach is tremendous in portraying a somewhat mysterious and suspicious character whom you can’t fully trust with your life. Especially not when he is putting you through life-endangering situations.
Talking about other characters, Nathalie Emmanuel has to be mentioned as well, as she effortlessly plays her part without ever going over the board. Summarising the mini-series into a feature film, the plot was already appreciated by the viewers for some interesting elements and the desperation of a side character to break out of his mould is new and cliche, at the same time.
Although he wants to leave behind his own stereotypical image, he tries to step into another stereotype and cliche of an ‘action star’. Like how action stars should be, they do things in a certain way, ride motorcycles and save the female lead etc. This is what makes it fun to watch as Hart, is not able to truly let go of his own character and steps into the unknown shoes.
Also, the mention of Matt Damon and many other action stars, all throughout the film made me wonder if anyone would actually make a cameo or something. Well, since this is a spoiler-free review, I wouldn’t delve into much detail but it would have been really iconic if Matt Damon would have appeared out of nowhere.
Summing Up: Die Hart The Movie
If you enjoyed watching the series, then you would find the film a quick and fun watch as well. It can also introduce many people to the main premise of the show and urge them to check it out, after watching this film. The satirical story has some well-executed action sequences and the seasoned actors make it worthwhile.
Die Hart: The Movie will be streaming on Amazon Prime Video from 24th February.
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