‘The Bricklayer’ Review: A Thrilling Story of Espionage and Action
One of Paul Lindsay’s notable works, ‘The Bricklayer,’ has been in the spotlight since its feature development began in 2011. Initially envisioned as a vehicle for Gerard Butler, the adaptation has taken a different turn with Aaron Eckhart stepping into the shoes of the Jack Reacher-like protagonist, Steve Vail.
Directed by the globe-trotting Renny Harlin, ‘The Bricklayer’ brings to life a tale of international intrigue, with the action unfolding against the backdrop of Greece. The film takes considerable liberties with the source material, likely to leverage the diverse locations and ample resources afforded by its multinational funding.
The plot kicks off with a gripping opening scene featuring a journalist, portrayed by Veronica Ferres, who finds herself in possession of evidence that could scandalize the American government. However, her encounter with a mysterious visitor quickly turns deadly, setting off a chain of events that thrust Vail into the heart of the action.
Tasked with unravelling the mystery behind the journalist’s murder is Vail, a former CIA operative now working as a bricklayer in Philadelphia. Reluctantly drawn back into the world of espionage, Vail teams up with the by-the-book agent Kate Bannon, portrayed by Nina Dobrev, in a race against time to track down the elusive culprit, Victor Radek.
As the plot unfolds, viewers are treated to a rollercoaster of twists and turns, with no shortage of action-packed sequences and explosive encounters. Despite the convoluted plot and occasionally over-the-top action, the film delivers a thrilling ride that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats for its 110-minute runtime.
While Eckhart delivers a solid performance as the rugged protagonist, Dobrev’s portrayal of the bossy female professional leaves something to be desired. Tim Blake Nelson and Clifton Collins Jr. round out the cast with their respective roles, though their talents feel underutilized amidst the chaos of the narrative.
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Director Renny Harlin’s trademark style shines through in ‘The Bricklayer,’ with slick cinematography and expertly crafted action set pieces. Though the film may not leave a lasting impression, it offers a fun escape for fans of the genre.
As the credits roll, one can’t help but wonder if there will be another adventure in store for Steve Vail. Only time will tell if Lindsay’s swan song, ‘Agent X,’ will make its way to the silver screen. Until then, ‘The Bricklayer’ is a lively and bullet-riddled adventure that promises to keep audiences engaged from start to finish.
