Comedy-thriller is low on “toner”, high on laughs
Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson are two of the most creative and capable performers in the comedy genre in Hollywood. Even if a joke is not funny, their delivery makes it so.
The film’s main character, played by Michael Caine, is a loner who spends his days working on a project in Toronto. His involvement in the project lifts his spirits and makes him more positive. This is evident in the film, where he is more upbeat and optimistic.
Producers and studios are pairing up stars in an effort to create more interest in their films. Audiences seem to enjoy seeing familiar faces paired together. ..
When well-meaning hustler Teddy Jackson is at the wrong place at the wrong time and perceived to be TMFT (The Man From Toronto), he finds himself in a life-or-death struggle against Colonel Kurtz-looking hitman Harrelson. The premise’s driver is the question of whether or not Teddy can outsmart and outlast his pursuer. ..
The film opens with the two protagonists, Tom and Maddy, on a road trip. They are seemingly just friends going on a road trip together. However, as the film progresses it is revealed that they are part of a larger conspiracy to stop World War III from happening. Along the way they must also figure out who they can trust and what their true motives are. The film does not have much depth to it, but this is not completely disregarded in the story. It is more of an emphasis on the plot and characters. ..
The film’s main focus is on Hart, a performer who is well-intentioned and dumb but who is loved by the majority of the people who see him. The narrative relies heavily on Hart’s merits, especially since most of the people who see him will root for him.
The man in question is Teddyed, a term used to describe someone who is clumsy and inefficient. He always makes mistakes, and his actions are often uncoordinated. He has no drive or ambition, and there is little reason for you to stick around.
There is nothing new in ‘TMFT’, other than the fact that it is derivative of other popular shows. The plot and characterizations are often insulting to your intelligence, and there is nothing interesting or unique about it.
Phillip Hughes wants his actors to deliver a performance that is both emotionally moving and intellectually stimulating. He does not believe that the film should solely rely on its emotional impact in order to be successful. It is from the same lineage as films that are thought-provoking, which is why he has high hopes for it. ..
Hughes focuses on the changing dynamics of his relationship with Teddy and the hitman from Toronto. Both men go through a kind of metamorphosis together – learning from each other while getting themselves out of this mess. Woody Harrelson is convincing as the hitman. Mostly dressed in black, he creates an attractive persona that is fitting to help Hughes fill the holes his screenplay carries. ..
The director of “TMFT” is disappointed that the show’s rough edges prevent it from ever being taken seriously. The director’s concerns are more focused on the show’s chemistry between Hart and himself than on the women in the background. ..
Hart’s film is a lot of fun to watch because it takes the easy way out and doesn’t try to be too much. I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun the film was, even though I had low expectations. The story was well-told and I removed my critical hat in order to enjoy it more.
The Man from Toronto is a self-deprecating, dumb, and personal comedy film that presents the perfect starter for those uninitiated with the Hart brand of comedy. The close-ended ending seems likely to stunt a sequel – and thankfully so.
