Accident Man

Accident Man is a darkly comedic, action-packed, British crime thriller from 2018, boasting a magnetic lead performance from martial arts superstar Scott Adkins, who co-wrote the script based on a British comic strip character of the same name. The film is helmed by director Jesse V. Johnson, a stunt coordinator-turned-filmmaker with a keen eye for exhilarating, kinetic action scenes. The movie's supporting cast also includes recognizable figures such as Ray Stevenson (Thor, Punisher: War Zone) and David Paymer (Mr. Saturday Night, City Slickers) amongst other familiar faces.

The film's story centers on the stupendously proficient Mike Fallon, played by Scott Adkins, a professional killer who gained his moniker 'Accident Man' for his extraordinary ability to make his contract jobs look like accidental deaths. Working in the grimy underbelly of London, Mike is a part of a motley crew of assassins, each with their distinct modus operandi, led by the cold-blooded Big Ray (Ray Stevenson). With a stoic demeanor and a wicked sense of humor, Mike carries out his gruesome tasks unaffected by the moral repulsiveness of his profession, showing a chilling detachment from his actions.

However, his unflappable frame of mind ceases the day his ex-girlfriend, Beth, is murdered. Struggling to reconcile with his loss, Mike suspects that his own comrades might be implicated in Beth's death. As he investigates deeper into her demise, he steps out of his killer-for-hire role, inadvertently converting himself from the predator to the prey. His typically 'cool' world of professional assassins gets increasingly dangerous and messy, and he finds himself on a violent collision course with his former colleagues.

The movie cleverly infuses elements of classic British humor into the brutal world of hitmen. With sharp, witty dialogue laden with dry humor, Accident Man successfully blends the bleak reality of contract killing with unexpected hilarious moments. The film also flirts with the themes of loyalty, the pursuit of truth, and the moral ambiguity of one's actions.

Scott Adkins, known for his martial arts prowess, really shines in his role as Mike Fallon. Able to perfectly balance the comic beats with the dramatic moments, his charisma carries the film, and his action sequences showcase his spectacular fighting skills. Ray Stevenson, as the ruthless head honcho of the assassination outfit, and David Paymer, as Milton, the middleman between the pushers and contract killers, both deliver strong performances.

Jesse V. Johnson’s direction uses a gritty and realistic approach to present this sinister world of hired assassins. He brings out the raw aggression and tumultuous dynamics of this cut-throat life convincingly on screen. However, despite its serious themes, the film is imbued with a tongue-in-cheek tone that makes the grim narrative palatable for the audience.

Set against the backdrop of London's grimy underworld, the cinematography of the movie is commendable. The dark, gloomy city streets are juxtaposed with the high energy, fierce fight scenes, making for an aesthetically gripping visual experience. The gritty backdrop further underlines the harsh reality of Mike's life and the dark world he inhabits.

Accident Man is an engaging amalgamation of dark humor and high-octane action that really hits home due to Adkins’ compelling central performance. It skillfully blends British crime caper tropes with pointed social commentary, gory violence, and stylish martial arts action sequences. This, combined with the cleverly crafted script, complex characters, and talented supporting cast, makes for a thoroughly entertaining, albeit blood-soaked film. For lovers of action genre, martial arts, or British crime noir, Accident Man comes highly recommended.