Review of Proud Mary (2018) by Joseph T — 13 Jan 2018

The cinemaphotography was excellent. While the story appears to be set in this era, the soundtrack features classic songs from the 60s/70s period. Solid performances by Taraji P. Henson and Jahi Di'Allo Winston as the story's protagonists, and a borderline great performance by Danny Glover who has to turn from jovial to menacing as the story progresses.

Of course, there are plot contrivances, but they are not so annoying that they distract. Some backstory on how certain characters are so proficient at killing others would have been nice, but the lack of backstory is not a deal breaker.

The "mob-assassin-with-a-weakness-for-kids-who-wants-out-of-the- business" has been done before, but this movie was never boring. The movie doesn't feature the over-the-top, non-stop violence of "John Wick," choosing instead to spend time on watching the protagonists bond, and exploring (somewhat) the meaning of family, but the shoot-em-up scenes that the movie features are entertaining.

In sum, this was a well-made, surprisingly good, but not great movie. Worth the price of a matinee ticket this weekend especially if you have Monday off. Certainly, worth renting when its released on Blu-ray.