Wild Target
Wild Target

Movie spotlight

Wild Target

1993
Movie
87 min
French

Victor Meynard, a hit man who still lives with his mother, is becoming more reluctant to pull the trigger during assignments. He meets a young man, Antoine, whom he takes under his wing after being unable to kill him. Their lives change when he meets Renée, an art forger who has earned the wrath of powerful mob leaders. Unwilling to assassinate the new object of his affections, Victor must run and hide with two new friends in tow.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes25%
Metacritic48/100
Google Users65%
Director: John FrankenheimerGenres: Action, Crime, Comedy

Plot Summary

Victor Maynard is a legendary assassin looking to retire, but his plans are disrupted when his estranged son, Rosebud, becomes involved in the criminal underworld. A series of escalating and darkly comedic events forces Victor to take on one last job, leading to a chaotic confrontation with rivals and unexpected allies. Throughout the mayhem, Victor must navigate family ties and his own bloody legacy.

Critical Reception

Wild Target received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some praised its dark humor and Gene Hackman's performance, many found the plot convoluted and the tonal shifts jarring. The film struggled to balance its elements of crime thriller and black comedy, leading to a generally lukewarm response from both critics and audiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish direction and ensemble cast, particularly Gene Hackman.

  • Criticized for a muddled plot and an inconsistent tone.

  • The film attempts a blend of crime, comedy, and drama, but doesn't fully succeed in any one aspect.

Google audience: Audience reviews suggest a mixed experience, with some appreciating the dark humor and the performances of the lead actors. However, many found the story confusing and the pacing uneven, leading to disappointment for those expecting a more straightforward thriller or comedy.

Fun Fact

Despite the film's title and plot, Gene Hackman's character, Victor Maynard, is a retired assassin and not a 'wild target' himself, adding a layer of ironic misdirection to the film's premise.

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