Polar

Polar is a 2019 action comedy thriller film directed by Jonas Åkerlund, written by Jay Longino and Mundarogi Jayasena, and starring Mads Mikkelsen as Duncan, a skilled and weary hitman. The movie takes place in Miami, where Duncan has retired from his life as a high-stakes assassin. He's trying to live a peaceful life, working as a chef in a local restaurant and trying to connect with people, but his past catches up to him. Duncan's troubles begin when he starts receiving threatening messages from Johnny Crown, a young, ruthless hitman who is notorious for his skill and his lack of emotions. Johnny becomes determined to kill Duncan, and as the pressure mounts, Duncan finds himself back in his old shoes, having to use his skills to survive. However, Duncan is not as sharp as he used to be, and his lack of motivation and training put him at a significant disadvantage. Johnny and his team of young hitmen are highly skilled, well-trained, and ruthless, and Duncan struggles to keep up with them. They use advanced technology, including GPS tracking devices and high-tech surveillance, to stay one step ahead of Duncan, and he finds himself constantly on the run. Despite his initial reluctance to get back into the game, Duncan eventually begins to enjoy the thrill of the chase and the challenge of outsmarting Johnny and his team. He uses his experience and cunning to evade his enemies, often relying on his knowledge of the city's underbelly to stay alive. Duncan also enlists the help of Camilla, a tough-as-nails bartender who helps him with his mission. As the stakes grow higher, Duncan finds himself facing off against Johnny in a series of increasingly intense battles. The two enemies engage in a series of cat-and-mouse games, with Duncan using his wits and experience to stay ahead of Johnny's team. Despite his best efforts, however, Duncan struggles to gain the upper hand, and Johnny seems to always be one step ahead. One of the most interesting aspects of Polar is its take on the hitman genre. The movie subverts the usual tropes of the genre, presenting Duncan as a somewhat bumbling, overweight, and middle-aged hitman who is no longer at the top of his game. This portrayal adds a layer of complexity to the character, making him more relatable and human. The movie also explores the psychological impact of Duncan's job on him, highlighting the toll that years of violence and deception have taken on his mental health. The action sequences in Polar are also noteworthy, with the movie's director using a variety of techniques to create intense and suspenseful set pieces. The fight choreography is impressive, with Duncan using his skills to take down his enemies in creative and often humorous ways. The movie also makes use of its location, using Miami's vibrant streets and nightlife as the backdrop for its thrilling action sequences. Throughout the movie, Mads Mikkelsen delivers a standout performance as Duncan, bringing depth and nuance to a character that could easily have been a one-dimensional cliche. His portrayal of a weary, over-the-hill hitman is both funny and heartbreaking, and his chemistry with his co-star, Vanessa Hudgens, is undeniable. The rest of the cast, including Matt Lucas and Katheryn Winnick, are also impressive, bringing energy and charm to their respective roles. Ultimately, Polar is a fun and action-packed thriller that subverts the usual expectations of the hitman genre. With its witty script, impressive action sequences, and standout performances from its cast, the movie is a must-see for fans of the genre. While it may not be the most original movie, Polar has a lot to offer, from its complex characters to its thrilling set pieces.