‘The Bricklayer’ is an action thriller that follows Steve Vail (Aaron Eckhart), an ex-CIA agent called back into action as a former contractor and close personal friend targets the agency. Assisted by rookie agent in the field Kate Bannon (Nina Dobrev), the duo travel to Greece to confront the extortionist.
Opening on an assassination of a journalist, ‘The Bricklayer’ aims high in trying to create intrigue. What it manages to create however is a lukewarm introduction to the main antagonist of the film. Somewhat muted and muddled, the film moves swiftly onward to introduce us to Steve, the ex-agent now living the simple life as a laborer.
Not forcing any novel ideas on to the audience, the story pairs the weary agent with a strait-laced rule lover and leaves us in anticipation of fun antics and excitement to ensue. What materializes is an uneven tone between the two, as Eckhart’s Steve and Dobrev’s Kate share little to no chemistry and often step on each others toes when delivering almost non-sequitur one-liners.
Almost earnestly unoriginal, the film’s plot revolves around Vail trying to track down an ex-contractor who had worked for the CIA, now exacting a personal vendetta against the agency as punishment for the demise of his family. Leaving little to no intrigue as to why or how, the film goes to no lengths to keep the viewers guessing as to who is behind it all, as it is revealed early on and does little by adding any extra mystery along the way.
To be considered a noteworthy action thriller now requires for exceptional cinematography, editing and fight choreography. Compared to films such as ‘The Raid’, ‘Atomic Blonde’, the ‘John Wick’ franchise and ‘The Night Comes for Us’, ‘The Bricklayer’ pales in comparison to what action movies can deliver. With poorly edited fight sequences, the film undermines its own raison d'être and muddles its way from one set piece to another, delivering a lackluster mission that culminates in a disappointing and underwhelming final showdown containing little to no tension.
As a final failed attempt at rousing intrigue, the story veers towards Vail being betrayed by a close personal affiliation. Uninspired, the sequence closes as quickly as it had begun, as Ilfenesh Hadera’s agent Tye is gunned down and shot in the face, inducing little to no reaction from the betrayed Vail.
Maybe fun for someone who has never seen an action movie before, ‘The Bricklayer’ adds nothing to the thriller pantheon and almost resembles a pale imitation of a genuine action blockbuster. Delivering disjointed combat sequences, jarring one liners and little in terms of story, ‘The Bricklayer’ can hardly be considered as one for the books, rather a two hour escapade to be watched and forgotten.
Score: 1/4
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