The Man from Toronto (2022) Movie Review: Action-Comedy That Misses Its Mark
The Man from Toronto (2022), directed by Patrick Hughes, is an action-comedy that stars Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson in a mismatched buddy dynamic. The film blends elements of action, humor, and mistaken identity, but despite its star-studded cast, it struggles to deliver a consistently engaging or memorable experience. Streaming on Netflix, this movie tries to capitalize on its charismatic leads, but falls short in terms of plot originality and comedic timing.
Plot Summary: A Case of Mistaken Identity
The premise of The Man from Toronto revolves around an ordinary man, Teddy Jackson (Kevin Hart), who is mistaken for a dangerous assassin known as “The Man from Toronto” (Woody Harrelson). Teddy is an inept fitness instructor and entrepreneur whose life is falling apart due to his poor decision-making and lack of confidence. While planning a romantic getaway with his wife Lori (Jasmine Mathews), Teddy accidentally gets caught up in an international conspiracy involving high-stakes criminals and intelligence agencies.
The mix-up occurs when Teddy rents a cabin for a weekend getaway, but the cabin happens to be the location of an interrogation scheduled by criminal organizations. They mistake him for the infamous assassin known for his brutal interrogation techniques. This case of mistaken identity pulls Teddy into a chaotic world of hitmen, organized crime, and espionage. Reluctantly paired with the real “Man from Toronto,” Teddy must navigate a series of dangerous missions while trying to prove his innocence and survive the mayhem.
Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson: An Odd Couple Dynamic
The film’s central strength lies in the chemistry between its two leads, Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson. Kevin Hart delivers his usual fast-talking, nervous, and comedically panicked persona that audiences have come to expect from his performances. As Teddy, Hart plays the everyman who is woefully unprepared for the violence and danger he’s thrust into. His frantic energy contrasts sharply with Harrelson’s cold and stoic portrayal of the titular assassin.
Woody Harrelson, as “The Man from Toronto,” brings a dry, detached sense of menace, playing a no-nonsense hitman with a reputation for precision and ruthlessness. His deadpan delivery provides a counterbalance to Hart’s over-the-top comedic style. While the duo occasionally land some funny moments, their interaction is often predictable, falling into typical buddy-comedy tropes without bringing anything new to the genre.
Though the odd-couple dynamic offers potential, it feels underutilized and fails to fully exploit the comedic contrasts between the two leads. There are moments of banter and physical comedy that work, but they are far too sporadic to sustain the film’s momentum.
Action and Comedy: A Disjointed Blend
While The Man from Toronto aims to mix high-octane action with slapstick comedy, it struggles to find the right balance between the two. The action sequences, directed by Patrick Hughes, are competently done but lack originality, with many scenes feeling like a rehash of familiar tropes seen in other action-comedies. There are car chases, shootouts, and fight scenes, but none stand out as particularly inventive or thrilling.
On the comedic front, the film suffers from a lack of sharp writing. Kevin Hart’s improvisational style often feels forced, with many jokes falling flat or feeling repetitive. The humor leans heavily on Hart’s signature style of nervous, fast-talking dialogue, but it rarely evolves beyond surface-level gags. Harrelson’s dry wit offers a few chuckles, but the script doesn’t give him enough material to work with.
Ultimately, the film’s tone shifts awkwardly between violent action and broad comedy, never fully committing to either. This disjointed approach prevents the movie from finding a consistent rhythm, leaving audiences unsure whether they are watching an intense action flick or a lighthearted comedy.
Supporting Characters and Performances
The supporting cast, including Jasmine Mathews as Teddy’s wife Lori and Kaley Cuoco as a potential love interest for Harrelson’s character, are largely sidelined, offering little in terms of depth or character development. Cuoco’s appearance in particular feels underused, and her role as a romantic foil is underdeveloped and unnecessary.
Ellen Barkin plays a small role as the head of the criminal organization that Harrelson’s character works for, but her screen time is limited and her character lacks depth. The film’s villains and other side characters are similarly one-dimensional, serving primarily as plot devices rather than fully realized characters.
Themes: Identity and Competence
At its core, The Man from Toronto plays with themes of mistaken identity and the contrast between competence and incompetence. Teddy represents the everyman who is unskilled and unprepared for the violent world of assassins, while “The Man from Toronto” is the epitome of a professional killer. The film draws humor from Teddy’s inability to live up to the expectations placed on him by others, while Harrelson’s character provides the skills and intimidation that Teddy lacks.
However, the film doesn’t dive deeply into these themes, instead opting for surface-level exploration. The idea of an ordinary person caught up in extraordinary circumstances is a familiar trope, and The Man from Toronto doesn’t offer any fresh insights into this dynamic.
Direction and Pacing
Patrick Hughes, known for his work on The Hitman’s Bodyguard franchise, brings a similar tone to The Man from Toronto. The pacing of the film feels uneven, with long stretches of exposition followed by bursts of action. The movie struggles to maintain consistent momentum, with certain scenes dragging on longer than necessary, while others feel rushed. The direction often feels formulaic, relying on clichés from both the action and comedy genres without adding anything unique.
Reception and Criticism
The Man from Toronto received mixed to negative reviews upon its release. Critics and audiences alike pointed to the film’s lackluster script, uneven pacing, and missed opportunities in terms of comedy and action. While the chemistry between Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson provided some entertainment value, it was not enough to elevate the film above its mediocre execution.
The film’s reliance on familiar tropes and predictable plot twists left many viewers feeling that it was a forgettable entry in the action-comedy genre. Despite its A-list cast and occasional laughs, The Man from Toronto ultimately fails to stand out in a crowded field of similar films.
Where to Watch The Man from Toronto Online
As of 2024, The Man from Toronto is available for streaming on:
- Netflix: Exclusively available to stream with a subscription.
- Apple TV/iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & YouTube: Available for rental or purchase in HD.
Conclusion
The Man from Toronto (2022) is a well-intentioned but underwhelming action-comedy that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Despite the star power of Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson, the film suffers from a predictable plot, uneven pacing, and a disjointed blend of action and comedy. While it may offer some laughs and light entertainment, it ultimately falls short of being a memorable or standout entry in the buddy-comedy genre. Fans of Hart and Harrelson might enjoy the film for their performances, but for those seeking a fresh or innovative take on the action-comedy formula, The Man from Toronto may leave much to be desired.
