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
15 Reviews
Like watching paint dry
uscmd22 March 2020
Unexpected Gem
Sal_G9 May 2008
There are no special effects, no kung fu style moves, no excessive killing and no over-the-top swearing and cursing just for the sake of it. Thank you for going against the flow, Christopher Warre Smets, writer and director of this unexpected gem of a movie.
Whilst most movies nowadays seem to need all the above to be a success, 'The Last Hit Man' wins us over by being a thoughtful and emotional glimpse into the last days of a hit-man. It's a simple and unpretentious look into his life and how his work has affected and influenced his daughter's life choices.
The ageing hit-man Harry Tremayne, soberly and devotedly played by Joe Mantegna, is a no nonsense type of man. Refreshingly, he isn't superhuman, he doesn't jump around using unrealistic kung fu moves, he is just an intelligent man who is good at what he does and has earned respect for his years as a professional.
Elizabeth Whitmere plays the part of the daughter, Racquel Tremayne, and does so with believable emotion and surprising depth at times. The daughter is a strong and stable young woman who knows what her father does for a living, which is a good reflection on the father and the way he raised his child even with her knowing, contrasting against the circles he moves in.
While I don't wish to spoil it for you, I thought I would mention the Billy Rosco character, wonderfully played by Romano Orzari. He enters the picture in a scene that delightfully, and memorably, changes the flow of the whole movie. An interesting low-life character that you can't help but like, but also can't quite decide if you can trust.
The ending of the movie had me surprised. Little did I realise that I had subtly become much more emotionally attached to the characters than I had realised. There was a certain dignity to the ending and it stirred up emotions in me that left me pensive and sad. This realisation and also that I had actually been engrossed the whole way through truly reflects on the story, cast and director of this movie.
The only things I dislike about this movie are the title and tagline: "The Last Hit Man - Daddy's little girl is going into the family business". This is about as cheesy as it gets. Neither the title nor tagline really reflect the depth of the movie. A shame really. Seems like marketing cheesers tacked it on as an afterthought. However, if the title is all I can complain about, then there is nothing to worry about.
I thoroughly recommend seeing this movie if you like the genre.
Whilst most movies nowadays seem to need all the above to be a success, 'The Last Hit Man' wins us over by being a thoughtful and emotional glimpse into the last days of a hit-man. It's a simple and unpretentious look into his life and how his work has affected and influenced his daughter's life choices.
The ageing hit-man Harry Tremayne, soberly and devotedly played by Joe Mantegna, is a no nonsense type of man. Refreshingly, he isn't superhuman, he doesn't jump around using unrealistic kung fu moves, he is just an intelligent man who is good at what he does and has earned respect for his years as a professional.
Elizabeth Whitmere plays the part of the daughter, Racquel Tremayne, and does so with believable emotion and surprising depth at times. The daughter is a strong and stable young woman who knows what her father does for a living, which is a good reflection on the father and the way he raised his child even with her knowing, contrasting against the circles he moves in.
While I don't wish to spoil it for you, I thought I would mention the Billy Rosco character, wonderfully played by Romano Orzari. He enters the picture in a scene that delightfully, and memorably, changes the flow of the whole movie. An interesting low-life character that you can't help but like, but also can't quite decide if you can trust.
The ending of the movie had me surprised. Little did I realise that I had subtly become much more emotionally attached to the characters than I had realised. There was a certain dignity to the ending and it stirred up emotions in me that left me pensive and sad. This realisation and also that I had actually been engrossed the whole way through truly reflects on the story, cast and director of this movie.
The only things I dislike about this movie are the title and tagline: "The Last Hit Man - Daddy's little girl is going into the family business". This is about as cheesy as it gets. Neither the title nor tagline really reflect the depth of the movie. A shame really. Seems like marketing cheesers tacked it on as an afterthought. However, if the title is all I can complain about, then there is nothing to worry about.
I thoroughly recommend seeing this movie if you like the genre.
A cheap failure
Leofwine_draca4 October 2016
This low rent Canadian hit-man thriller has received some positive reviews on this site, but I fail to see where they're coming from. This is a lacklustre effort all round, one of those films that's so cheap that most scenes seem to take place in dark rooms with just a couple of characters chatting.
There's no sense of drive or urgency that a life-or-death thriller needs. LEON is an obvious reference point but this film can't be mentioned in the same review as that classic. Joe Mantegna looks as weary as the viewer becomes when watching this nonsense, and the whole plot with his daughter is a bore from beginning to end. No action, no drama, no emotion; no real point to the film whatsoever.
There's no sense of drive or urgency that a life-or-death thriller needs. LEON is an obvious reference point but this film can't be mentioned in the same review as that classic. Joe Mantegna looks as weary as the viewer becomes when watching this nonsense, and the whole plot with his daughter is a bore from beginning to end. No action, no drama, no emotion; no real point to the film whatsoever.
Surprising Enjoyable
Colonial-Oak6 February 2020
I was skeptical, when I saw this on Amazon Prime. Glad I took the bait and watched it.
To those of us pro-2A pro-firearm folks, Joe Mantegna is one conservative actor who knows his guns, and how to shoot. So its always interesting to see him in films.
Long story short, if you like a decent firearm flick, you'll enjoy this one. The jist is a father/daughter hit-team dealing with an (unfortunate) everyday family dilemma all families seem to have to deal with -- terminal cancer.
So the story revolves around how a family whose obscure business deals with the reality of a terminal disease.
That's not all of it, just enough to wet your whistle. Bottom line, its worth the 90 minutes out of your life to watch, if you are an action/gun movie guy like I am.
V/r, ColonialOak
To those of us pro-2A pro-firearm folks, Joe Mantegna is one conservative actor who knows his guns, and how to shoot. So its always interesting to see him in films.
Long story short, if you like a decent firearm flick, you'll enjoy this one. The jist is a father/daughter hit-team dealing with an (unfortunate) everyday family dilemma all families seem to have to deal with -- terminal cancer.
So the story revolves around how a family whose obscure business deals with the reality of a terminal disease.
That's not all of it, just enough to wet your whistle. Bottom line, its worth the 90 minutes out of your life to watch, if you are an action/gun movie guy like I am.
V/r, ColonialOak
check it out, its worth it
fiorm845317 April 2008
I enjoyed most of the movie. What I do, but at the same time, do not understand is why the family let "you know who" into their family. I suppose Mantegna could have handled the situation differently, perhaps holding "you know who" hostage. This struck me as odd. But, again, it is a movie. Do not expect anything great. The actors play their roles well, especially Joe Mantegna. There are some "so-so" acting scenes but overall, a job well done. It is the plot that will keep the viewer interested through out the entire movie, not the acting. But like I said, the acting is definitely worth the viewers time. Of course, we have all seen horrible movies that make it to the theaters on a national scale, but, this movie, by no means is horrible. It keeps the viewer guessing, and with a sufficient amount of action, there really is no reason to bash this title!
Nicely paced, understated, and well-performed by everyone involved.
davelocke12 September 2008
While there's enough action to sustain the drama, this is not a shoot-em-up production. A father, the hit-man, has brought his daughter into the business. He must then cope with failing health, and the dangers presented by a failed hit, by bringing in a partner.
Not at all what anyone might expect in a hit-man movie made with today's thud and blunder styling. This is actually about the interactions of people, and is done with a lot of care. Excellent low-key drama with top-caliber acting and touches of black comedy.
Loved it. I definitely have to check out all else that this writer/director has done.
Not at all what anyone might expect in a hit-man movie made with today's thud and blunder styling. This is actually about the interactions of people, and is done with a lot of care. Excellent low-key drama with top-caliber acting and touches of black comedy.
Loved it. I definitely have to check out all else that this writer/director has done.
The main character acting was pretty good.
johnsubs129 February 2020
While I normally don't watch this type of movie, it wasn't that bad for a bad guy movie. This isn't a really deep movie, but it's not a typical hollywood shoot em up. I thought the main characters were well acted. The pacing was a little slow, given one of the main themes it's somewhat understandable. The dialogue could have used a little brushing up, not a big fan of cussing in movies. A little more back ground on the mains would have been nice, to better understand why he went into the business. This isn't a highly polished hollywood style movie, but it kind of draws you in and remains interesting enough to continue watching.
Top-notch throw-back!
novelty-58 April 2008
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.
Modern Film Noir -
mattaustin-231 March 2008
It obvious that director Christopher Warre Smets loves movies. It's also clear that he has seen a lot of them. Something that recalls Tarantino.
While watching the theatrical premiere during the Canadian Film Festival just last week, there were many moments where I could see the influence of films from another era. The opening sequence is beautiful and beyond it being the only part in black and white, the film does a great job of having a retro film noir aesthetic while combining it with modern pacing and humor.
I don't know what to compare it to as it's not an action film or thriller. The first film that comes to mind is The Professional, as I see parallels in it's treatment of love, family and relationships amidst killing for hire.
Totally recommend it.
While watching the theatrical premiere during the Canadian Film Festival just last week, there were many moments where I could see the influence of films from another era. The opening sequence is beautiful and beyond it being the only part in black and white, the film does a great job of having a retro film noir aesthetic while combining it with modern pacing and humor.
I don't know what to compare it to as it's not an action film or thriller. The first film that comes to mind is The Professional, as I see parallels in it's treatment of love, family and relationships amidst killing for hire.
Totally recommend it.
A thoughtful family story, with bullets
cottage1429 February 2008
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!
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!
A Bloody Good Movie!
alexaniz7 May 2008
I am not going to be a pretend person and quote other actors/movies etc. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. In part, it was somewhat predictable, but the way it played out, made in my opinion, excellent viewing. Obvious from the start that dad and his daughter are involved in an unusual income earning lifestyle. Equally obvious that dad is trying to shelter daughter to an extent. Dad involved in something he wants to keep from daughter. Enter third main character. This one kept me guessing for quite a while - then when I finally decided to trust him - he let me down. Then it got really got interesting! Except for the tears I had to shed at the end. Like I said, bloody good movie! This one I am keeping!!!!
A really good small movie
btm120 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
He could never go to school to tell her class about his job, but he never missed the "take your child to work day." That's how we learn that the daughter of a top tier professional free lance hit man not only knows what he does but has joined him in the "family business."
The scenario gives us a different and novel perspective on the hit man as a profession. Even in the beginning of the movie he becomes a person the audience cares about.
The plot starts with a failed assignment (Harry is known to never miss!) that is inexplicable to the people who hired him, causing them to suspect some sort of double cross. We learn why he missed and the ramifications of the muffed assignment fairly early in the film.
The movie has some humor but it is basically a serious character study with much suspenseful life and death turns.
I guess this is what is called a small movie, but it is a very well done one. Great acting and well paced. I saw it in the 4:3 TV format that cuts off the edges of the picture, so I can't fairly comment on the set design or camera work, but from what I did see it was really good. I liked the mix of black and white and color.
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******* ****** ******** *********** NEXT PARAGRAPH CONTAINS SPOILERS! ******** **********
******* ******* DON'T READ IT UNTIL AFTER YOU'VE SEEN THE MOVIE ******* ******** ************ ********** *********** *********** ********** ************
The only parts of the story that bothered me a little were the explanations about the assassination scene:
(1) Why does the daughter wait until after Billy lowers his gun before taking action?
(2) In the morning Harry Tremayne decides that the last (never seen) assassin must have been hired by the people that were trying to kill him and Racquel. If that was the case and he was watching from a safe distance, why wasn't he aware that his employer was dead before the sun went down and why didn't he use his rifle at that time? The only explanation I can come up with is that they had initially given out 2 contracts, one to Billy and one to another killer, possibly with each unaware of the other. But these are not important to the life and death decisions that Harry is repeatedly faced with.
The scenario gives us a different and novel perspective on the hit man as a profession. Even in the beginning of the movie he becomes a person the audience cares about.
The plot starts with a failed assignment (Harry is known to never miss!) that is inexplicable to the people who hired him, causing them to suspect some sort of double cross. We learn why he missed and the ramifications of the muffed assignment fairly early in the film.
The movie has some humor but it is basically a serious character study with much suspenseful life and death turns.
I guess this is what is called a small movie, but it is a very well done one. Great acting and well paced. I saw it in the 4:3 TV format that cuts off the edges of the picture, so I can't fairly comment on the set design or camera work, but from what I did see it was really good. I liked the mix of black and white and color.
********* ************** ********* ******* ********* ***** ********* ********* **********
******* ****** ******** *********** NEXT PARAGRAPH CONTAINS SPOILERS! ******** **********
******* ******* DON'T READ IT UNTIL AFTER YOU'VE SEEN THE MOVIE ******* ******** ************ ********** *********** *********** ********** ************
The only parts of the story that bothered me a little were the explanations about the assassination scene:
(1) Why does the daughter wait until after Billy lowers his gun before taking action?
(2) In the morning Harry Tremayne decides that the last (never seen) assassin must have been hired by the people that were trying to kill him and Racquel. If that was the case and he was watching from a safe distance, why wasn't he aware that his employer was dead before the sun went down and why didn't he use his rifle at that time? The only explanation I can come up with is that they had initially given out 2 contracts, one to Billy and one to another killer, possibly with each unaware of the other. But these are not important to the life and death decisions that Harry is repeatedly faced with.
Wish my family was that cool.
squeeze-anne3 April 2008
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.
SMOOTH...WITTY...ACTION-DRAMA DTV...HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES
LeonLouisRicci8 September 2021
Joe Mantegna is Perfectly Cast and Delivers an Endearing, Empathetic Portrayal of a Hit-Man's Last Gig.
It's a Trendy Topic of Late (Hit-Man) and this can Side with the Best.
A very Low-Budget Hidden-Gem that Combines a Father/Daughter Relationship with an Anxiety Profession and a Longevity Problem that All Families must Face.
Elizabeth Whitmere and Romano Orzari are very Good as the Daughter and Partner.
All the Ingredients in this Direct-to-Video Sleeper come Together in this Seamless Little Character Study.
In the World of Straight to Video Stuff You Can't Do Much Better than this.
It's a Trendy Topic of Late (Hit-Man) and this can Side with the Best.
A very Low-Budget Hidden-Gem that Combines a Father/Daughter Relationship with an Anxiety Profession and a Longevity Problem that All Families must Face.
Elizabeth Whitmere and Romano Orzari are very Good as the Daughter and Partner.
All the Ingredients in this Direct-to-Video Sleeper come Together in this Seamless Little Character Study.
In the World of Straight to Video Stuff You Can't Do Much Better than this.
See also
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