Review of The November Man (2014) by Thequietgamer — 27 Mar 2015

It's kind of like it takes Brosnan and tries too had to be a grittier Bond movie with more mature elements. It doesn't really work. The action is satisfying as a result though. It's extra violent and can get very bloody. However the jumbled plot fails to give us a reason to care about the conflict or it's characters.

It starts off vague and unclear. It's not unlike movies to leave us a in the dark for a little bit, but it takes a while for the film to even establish simple motives. It had me asking myself why any of this was going on. The moments feel like they are there to push forward a plot that hasn't been created yet. The movie opens with no story and keeps it that way for quite a while. Things take shape eventually, but it doesn't change the fact that none of it is interesting.

Why should we care about Devereax's (Brosnan) former protege? His inclusion feels hollow and unnecessary. What's our lead's deal? Brosnan plays a character who has the potential to be deep. He's clearly been changed by the things he has done in his life and is a little unhinged, but he's never fleshed out. The movie leaves us with bland characters that just serve as a vehicle to deliver brutal action scenes.

Oh, how glorious those scenes are. They pack a punch other spy movies don't. I have to admit, while his character is dull Brosnan plays the cold, calculating, and aged ex-cia operative well. Scenes where Devereaux is showing just how ruthless he can be are just as satisfying as the action scenes. It's nice to see an agent who isn't afraid to rough up the competition on his way to get answers.

However it fails because you are never really invested in it's world thanks to the sub-par plot and characters. The latter of which just aren't fleshed out enough to be anything more than generic character types. It also tries too hard to cram in as much from other movies like it. These inclusions feel pointless. What was the point of having the Russian hit woman? She's barely used. What was the point of the gratuitous sex scene? What's really the point of any of this?

It's generic one minute and pointless the next. Some good action isn't enough to make this mediocre flick worth a watch. Those who would want to see the former Bond star play a darker version of something similar are going to be left wanting the most.

I give "The November Man" a 5.3/10.