Hit Man Netflix Parents Guide⁚ What You Need to Know
Hit Man, a 2023 romantic comedy film, is rated R for language, sexual content, and violence. It stars Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, a college professor who moonlights as a fake hitman for the New Orleans Police Department, and Adria Arjona as Maddy Masters, a woman fleeing her abusive husband who enlists Gary’s services.
Overview
Hit Man is a 2023 American romantic comedy film produced and directed by Richard Linklater, who co-wrote the screenplay with Glen Powell. The film stars Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, Retta, and Sanjay Rao. It follows an undercover New Orleans police contractor who poses as a reliable hitman as he tries to save a woman in need. The basic premise was based on the true story of a college professor in Houston, Texas, who moonlighted as a fake hitman for the police.
Hit Man was released in select theaters in the United States on May 24, 2024, before its streaming debut by Netflix on June 7, to critical acclaim. The film has received a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and strong performances from the cast. However, some critics have noted that the film’s moral messages are questionable, and that the humor can be uneven at times;
Rating and Content
Hit Man is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for “language throughout, sexual content and some violence.” This means that viewers under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The film contains a number of scenes with strong language, including frequent use of profanity and vulgar terms. There are also several scenes with sexual content, including implied sex scenes, partial nudity, and kissing and caressing scenes.
While the violence in Hit Man is not graphic, it is present throughout the film. The film features scenes of physical violence, including fights, shootings, and stabbings. The violence is often portrayed in a comedic or stylized way, but it is still important to note that it is present and may be disturbing to some viewers. The film also explores themes of deception, identity, and the nature of reality.
Violence
While Hit Man is classified as a comedy-thriller, it does contain scenes of violence. The film depicts various forms of violence, including shootings, stabbings, and physical altercations, though these are often presented in a stylized or comedic manner. Despite the humorous approach, the violence is still present and may be disturbing to some viewers. The film explores themes of deception and danger, which are often intertwined with the violent elements of the story.
It is important to note that the violence in Hit Man is not graphic or overly explicit. However, it is still present and may be a concern for parents who are sensitive to such content. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level and their comfort with violence when deciding whether or not to allow them to watch this film. The violence in Hit Man is more suggestive than graphic, but it is still a factor to consider when evaluating the film’s suitability for younger viewers.
Sexual Content
Hit Man features a notable amount of sexual content, primarily in the form of suggestive dialogue and implied sexual activity. The film portrays a romantic relationship between the two main characters, Gary and Maddy, and their interactions often include flirtation, innuendo, and passionate encounters. While nudity is not explicitly shown, there are several scenes that depict suggestive body language and intimate situations. The film’s R rating is largely attributed to its portrayal of sexual content, which is not suitable for younger viewers.
Parents should be aware that Hit Man’s depiction of sexual content is not overly graphic but is still present throughout the film. The film’s themes of romance, deception, and identity are often intertwined with the sexual elements of the storyline. The film’s R rating is a clear indication that it is not appropriate for children. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level and comfort with sexual content when deciding whether or not to allow them to watch this film.
Language
Hit Man is rated R for language throughout, meaning it contains frequent and strong profanity. The film’s dialogue is peppered with a variety of curse words, including common expletives, vulgar slang, and offensive terms. The use of strong language is a significant part of the film’s overall tone, contributing to its comedic and edgy atmosphere. While the language is not excessively graphic, its pervasive nature makes the film unsuitable for younger viewers.
Parents should be aware that the film’s language is not merely sprinkled in but is a consistent element of the dialogue. It is used by both main and supporting characters, reflecting a realistic portrayal of contemporary speech patterns. However, the film’s heavy reliance on profanity might be jarring or offensive to some viewers, particularly those sensitive to strong language. Parents should consider their child’s tolerance for profanity and their own personal preferences before allowing them to watch Hit Man.
Themes
Hit Man explores a variety of themes, including identity, deception, and the complexities of human relationships. The film centers on Gary Johnson, a seemingly ordinary professor who leads a double life as a fake hitman. This duality raises questions about the nature of identity and how individuals present themselves to the world. The film’s exploration of deception extends beyond Gary’s hidden profession, delving into the intricate web of lies and secrets that bind the characters together.
The film also examines the complexities of love and relationships, particularly as they intersect with Gary’s dual identity. His relationship with Maddy Masters, a woman who enlists his services, is fraught with tension and uncertainty, as they navigate their feelings amidst a backdrop of deceit and danger. Ultimately, Hit Man delves into the human condition, highlighting the inherent contradictions and complexities that define our lives.
Is Hit Man Suitable for Kids?
Hit Man is rated R for language throughout, sexual content, and some violence. This rating indicates that the film is not appropriate for children under 17 years of age. The film features several sex scenes with partial nudity and implied sexual activity, as well as instances of strong language and violence. The film’s themes, including deception, violence, and complicated relationships, may also be too mature for younger viewers.
Parents should carefully consider the content of Hit Man before allowing their children to watch it. The film’s R rating reflects the presence of mature themes and content that may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Parents should exercise discretion and discuss the film’s content with their children before deciding whether it is appropriate for them.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for a lighthearted comedy that’s appropriate for the whole family, there are plenty of alternatives to Hit Man available on Netflix. For a classic comedy, consider Monty Python and the Holy Grail or Slap Shot. If you’re looking for something more modern, check out Netflix originals like The Mitchells vs. the Machines or The Good Place. These films offer humor, heart, and memorable characters without the mature content found in Hit Man.
For those seeking a similar thriller-comedy but with a less mature tone, try the action-packed Knives Out. This film features a stellar cast, witty dialogue, and a captivating mystery that will keep viewers entertained. If you’re looking for a film with a similar theme of deception but with a more romantic focus, consider The Proposal, a charming rom-com about a demanding boss who pretends to be engaged to her assistant. These films offer a range of genres and tones, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Hit Man is a captivating thriller-comedy that blends humor, action, and romance. While the film offers a unique premise and entertaining performances, its mature content may not be suitable for all viewers. The R rating reflects the film’s language, sexual content, and violence, making it appropriate for audiences aged 17 and older.
Parents should consider these factors before allowing younger viewers to watch Hit Man. If you’re seeking a lighthearted comedy, there are numerous alternatives available on Netflix that are more family-friendly. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to watch Hit Man is a personal one, and parents should carefully consider the film’s content before making a choice.
Where to Watch
Hit Man was initially released in select theaters on May 24, 2024, and enjoyed a limited cinematic run. However, the film is now readily available for streaming on Netflix. This means that viewers can enjoy Hit Man from the comfort of their own homes without having to travel to a theater.
The streaming release of Hit Man on Netflix allows for wider accessibility and convenience. It also provides an opportunity for those who may have missed the film’s theatrical release to catch up on the action-packed comedy. With its availability on Netflix, Hit Man is now within reach of a broader audience, making it easier for viewers to experience the film’s unique blend of humor, suspense, and romance.
Cast and Crew
Hit Man features a talented cast led by Glen Powell, known for his roles in Top Gun⁚ Maverick and Scream Queens, as Gary Johnson, the undercover hitman. Adria Arjona, who has starred in films like 6 Underground and Morbius, plays Maddy Masters, the woman who becomes Gary’s love interest. Austin Amelio, recognized for his work in The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead, portrays Jasper, a slimy undercover agent.
The film is directed by the acclaimed Richard Linklater, renowned for his work on films like Boyhood and Dazed and Confused. He also co-wrote the screenplay with Glen Powell, adding a personal touch to the story. Behind the scenes, the film boasts a strong crew, including cinematographer Shane F. Kelly, known for his work on The Hateful Eight and The Revenant, and editor Sandra Adair, who has worked on several Linklater films.
Release Date
Hit Man premiered at the prestigious 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2023, showcasing its unique blend of comedy, thriller, and romance to a global audience. Following its festival debut, it was released in select theaters across the United States on May 24, 2024, giving audiences a taste of the film’s quirky charm and captivating storyline.
However, it was the film’s streaming debut on Netflix on June 7, 2024, that truly captured the attention of a wider audience. The film’s availability on the popular streaming platform allowed it to reach a wider audience, solidifying its position as a must-watch for fans of lighthearted comedies with a touch of intrigue and romance.
Behind the Scenes
Hit Man, despite its lighthearted premise, is a film born from a collaboration between two creative forces, director Richard Linklater and actor Glen Powell. The film’s unique blend of dark comedy and romantic intrigue stems from their joint writing efforts, resulting in a screenplay that challenges the typical tropes of both genres.
The film’s premise is loosely based on a true story, drawing inspiration from the real-life Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered man who moonlighted as a fake hitman for the Houston Police Department. Linklater and Powell transformed this intriguing real-life story into a fictionalized narrative, injecting their own brand of humor and suspense, while also paying homage to the original story’s captivating essence.
The film’s production involved a meticulous attention to detail, with the creative team meticulously crafting the film’s visual aesthetic, capturing the vibrant energy of New Orleans, and ensuring that every scene felt authentic to the film’s unique blend of genres.
Parental Reviews
Parental reviews of Hit Man are mixed, with some parents finding the film’s blend of humor and suspense to be entertaining, while others express concern over its mature themes and content. Many parents highlight the film’s R rating, which is attributed to language throughout, sexual content, and some violence. While the film does feature scenes of violence, it is often portrayed in a comedic or stylized manner, with little graphic detail.
Some parents have also expressed concern over the film’s exploration of deception and manipulation, which they feel may be inappropriate for younger audiences. While the film does feature a romantic subplot, the focus remains on the main character’s identity and his struggles with his dual roles as a professor and a fake hitman.
Ultimately, parental reviews of Hit Man underscore the importance of individual judgment when deciding whether the film is appropriate for their family. Parents are encouraged to preview the film, consider their child’s maturity level, and engage in open discussions about the film’s themes and content.