Wheelman

Quite an enjoyable action ride, which shows that Netflix is quite keen on keeping its viewers entertained, sometimes with simpler films that have a pretty good form. In this film, we're basically in or around the car all the time, which is what gives it the right drive. The plot is probably not surprising, but it’s also not downright boring. (02/13/2018)

An unknown outsider is unexpectedly a huge hit and I'm drooling with bliss. Wheelman is a kind of Baby Driver in a rougher, more sonorous and far more action-packed package, led by the excellent Frank Grillo, whom I adore. He's an actor who commands respect and should be the star of A-list action movies because his acting, facial expressions and everything around him is simply perfect. At 82 minutes, it literally never gets boring, from the second minute onwards it moves at an incredible pace until the end, there are plenty of shootouts, chases and action and there a nicely convoluted story where three parties come together in pursuit of money and start settling scores with each other. I also have to praise the cinematography, as the side angle on the driver and the cameras from outside his car are effective and make you feel you are sitting next to him, as is the sound, which is tuned out so much that I can't help but dream about the noise of the car. Jeremy Rush has shown in his debut that he can do it, and I certainly wouldn't be averse to more of his films in the future. (09/25/2020)

Netflix has been really going full throttle lately, churning out one film after another. You might think that with such a high quantity, the quality might not be exceptional, but the opposite is true. Jeremy Rush managed to make a film with one quality actor, a top-notch machine (of course, a powerful BMW), and a story that builds up impressively. While it might not be listed in any chronicles as the greatest, it keeps you engaged because it has genuine drive, and you simply want to know how it ends. Frank Grillo shone in his role; it’s tough playing the lead, especially in a film where the audience's eyes are almost solely on you, as there’s almost no one else in the cast. The story isn’t particularly original, but the film relies on one thing: the camera. I haven’t seen such an interesting camera work in a long time, which gives the film dynamism and an extra punch with its unique style. True, the film started to lose momentum towards the end because the script is rather average, but the ending, featuring a nostalgic Porsche, brought it back to a solid rating for me. When something original and high-quality comes along, I can appreciate it. I give the film 73%. (12/14/2017)

A suspenseful genre piece that almost never leaves the vicinity of the car, with the great Grillo in the main role. In places, this reminds of Spielberg’s Duel with its uncompromising atmosphere. Moreover, it’s excellently written and the story seems believable; that doesn’t often happen in the movies of this day and age. An unexpected wowza. (12/03/2017)

A nice surprise and Frank Grillo fans beware, he's not off camera for a second. Wheelman is a very minimalist film set 90% in a car, but Tom Hardy has already proved that it can work in Locke. Grillo is a proper badass and I ate up his role hook, line and sinker. I liked how much tension and twists could be mined from mere phone calls, but of course there are chases and a few dead bodies dropped as well. Satisfaction for me, I couldn't have expected more from Jeremy Rush's debut. A small, suspenseful, very gritty, and decent film. 75%. (10/20/2017)