Old Guy (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The action-comedy Old Guy (2024), directed by Simon West and written by Greg Johnson, attempts to breathe new life into the aging-assassin genre. Starring Christoph Waltz as Danny Dolinski, a seasoned contract killer facing forced retirement, the film pairs him with a cocky Gen Z assassin-in-training, Wihlborg (Cooper Hoffman). With Lucy Liu playing a nightclub manager and potential love interest, Old Guy follows a predictable yet entertaining path of generational clashes, reluctant mentorship, and high-stakes shootouts.
Does Old Guy deliver an engaging action-comedy, or is it just another forgettable addition to the “aging hitman” subgenre? Let’s break it down.
Plot Summary
Danny Dolinski (Christoph Waltz) is an aging contract killer who, after decades in the game, is being pushed into retirement. However, his employer, The Company, gives him one last assignment—not to eliminate a target, but to train a young, up-and-coming assassin, Wihlborg (Cooper Hoffman).
The two couldn’t be more different: Danny is a refined, no-nonsense professional with old-school methods, while Wihlborg is a cocky, modern assassin who prefers social media slang over stealth tactics. Their mission takes them to Northern Ireland, where they get tangled in a messy mob war. Meanwhile, Danny finds himself drawn to nightclub owner Anata (Lucy Liu), adding a romantic subplot to the mix.
As expected, chaos ensues, leading to a climactic confrontation that forces Danny to prove he’s still got what it takes.
Review: A Familiar but Enjoyable Ride
Performances: Waltz Carries the Film
One of Old Guy‘s biggest strengths is Christoph Waltz. His charm and wit make Danny Dolinski a likable protagonist, even if the script doesn’t give him much depth. Waltz brings a mix of gruff cynicism and deadpan humor that fits the character well.
Cooper Hoffman as Wihlborg provides a decent contrast, playing the younger assassin with a mix of arrogance and inexperience. However, his character often falls into generic “Gen Z vs. Boomer” tropes that don’t add much depth.
Lucy Liu, unfortunately, is underutilized. Her character, Anata, seems to exist only as a love interest and doesn’t get much meaningful screen time.
Script and Direction: Playing It Safe
Simon West, known for The Expendables 2 and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, sticks to a formulaic action-comedy structure. The film starts off promisingly, with witty banter between Danny and Wihlborg, but quickly falls into predictable territory. The script leans heavily on clichés—reluctant mentor, generational humor, and a crime syndicate showdown—but doesn’t bring anything fresh to the table.
The action sequences are competent but lack originality. The final shootout, set in an abandoned mall, feels like a budget-conscious choice rather than a climactic spectacle.
Comedy and Tone: Hit or Miss
The humor in Old Guy is uneven. While some of the banter between Danny and Wihlborg is amusing, much of it feels forced. The “old-school vs. new-school” dynamic has been done before—sometimes better (The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Red) and sometimes worse (Memory).
The film occasionally hints at a deeper story about aging, relevance, and finding purpose beyond one’s career, but it never fully commits to exploring these themes.
Where to Watch Old Guy Online
If you’re interested in watching Old Guy (2024), here’s where you can find it online:
Streaming Services (Subscription-Based)
- Amazon Prime Video – Available to stream for Prime subscribers. Watch on Amazon.
- Apple TV+ – Streaming with a subscription.
- Vudu – Available for digital purchase or rental.
Rental/Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video – Rent or buy the movie here.
- Apple TV – Available for digital rental and purchase.
- Vudu – Rent or purchase in HD or 4K.
Final Verdict: Worth Watching?
Old Guy isn’t breaking any new ground, but it’s an enjoyable enough entry into the aging-assassin genre. Christoph Waltz elevates the film with his performance, even if the script doesn’t do him justice. Cooper Hoffman holds his own, though his character could have been more fleshed out.
If you’re a fan of movies like Red, The Mechanic, or The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Old Guy might be worth a watch. Just don’t expect anything groundbreaking.
Should You Watch Old Guy?
If you enjoy action-comedy films with veteran actors taking on one last mission, Old Guy might be for you. Stream it now on Amazon Prime Video or rent it on Apple TV and Vudu.
Would you watch Old Guy, or do you prefer fresh takes on the action genre? Let us know in the comments!