Hit & Run (2012) Movie Review: A High-Speed Comedy with Mixed Results
Overview
Directed by Dax Shepard and David Palmer, “Hit & Run” (2012) is an action-comedy that takes audiences on a wild road trip filled with car chases, romance, and quirky humor. Starring Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, Bradley Cooper, and Tom Arnold, the film follows a former getaway driver who risks his witness protection identity to help his girlfriend reach Los Angeles for a career opportunity. While the film boasts an engaging cast and some fun moments, it ultimately offers a mixed bag of entertainment.
Plot Summary
The plot centers around Charlie Bronson (Dax Shepard), a man in the Witness Protection Program who now lives a quiet life with his girlfriend, Annie (Kristen Bell). When Annie gets a job interview in Los Angeles, Charlie decides to drive her there, despite the risks involved. Their journey becomes chaotic as they are pursued by Charlie’s former gang led by Alex Dimitri (Bradley Cooper), a relentless federal marshal (Tom Arnold), and Annie’s jealous ex-boyfriend Gil (Michael Rosenbaum).
Performance and Direction
Dax Shepard, who also wrote the script, delivers a charismatic performance, showcasing his real-life passion for cars and stunt driving. Kristen Bell adds charm and wit as Annie, and their on-screen chemistry reflects their off-screen relationship. Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of the villainous Alex brings a surprising depth to the character, while Tom Arnold provides comedic relief as the bumbling marshal.
Despite the cast’s strong performances, the direction by Shepard and Palmer sometimes struggles with pacing and tonal consistency. The film mixes high-octane action with moments of romantic comedy and offbeat humor, which doesn’t always blend seamlessly.
Visuals and Cinematography
The film features some impressive car chases and stunts, many of which were performed by Shepard himself. The cinematography by Bradley Stonesifer captures the fast-paced action effectively, though the visual style remains fairly conventional for the genre. The use of real cars and practical effects adds an authentic touch to the high-speed sequences.
Themes and Relevance
“Hit & Run” explores themes of love, loyalty, and redemption. The central narrative revolves around Charlie’s efforts to support Annie while confronting his past. The film also delves into the idea of personal transformation and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.
Reception
Critical reception for “Hit & Run” has been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 48%, with critics noting that while it has some entertaining moments, it suffers from a lack of coherence and overly smug writing. Roger Ebert, however, gave the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, praising its fun and energetic approach. In contrast, Richard Roeper gave it an “F,” criticizing it for being unfunny and chaotic (Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert, Wikipedia).
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “Hit & Run” is available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix. It can also be rented or purchased on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“Hit & Run” is a high-energy action-comedy that benefits from its charismatic leads and thrilling car chases but falls short due to inconsistent tone and pacing issues. Fans of Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell will likely enjoy their performances, while those looking for a cohesive and polished narrative may find it lacking. Overall, the film offers some enjoyable moments but doesn’t fully hit the mark as a standout in the genre.
