Will Smith is back again with his second release of 2019, Gemini Man. While the film is directed by Academy Award winner, Ang Lee, the trailers have been quite underwhelming. Little expectations were set for this film, however, after the films world premiere, the first reactions have been quite positive.
There’s one scene in #GeminiMan where old Smith and young Smith have an all-out brawl with one another. It’s pretty amazing to watch. I asked Ang Lee how they executed that sequence, and he said it was so involved it took 9 months to complete. 9 months for a fight scene! pic.twitter.com/aPq0RwTRSD
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) September 18, 2019
Ang Lee’s #GeminiMan is a huge breakthrough for 120FPS presentation. Action sequences are breathtaking in the format. Will Smith’s winning performance shows the level of scrutiny a real movie star can stand up to. If you don’t see it in theaters you’re missing a true experience. pic.twitter.com/k6nlyH6kD9
— Max Evry (@maxevry) September 18, 2019
Just saw #GeminiMan and it’s wiiiiiiild. The young version of Wil Smith is incredible, plus some truly beautiful action sequences and a really great performance by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The only 3D movie I’ll ever endorse.
— Anne Cohen (@anneesthercohen) September 18, 2019
Just saw the final cut of Ang Lee’s #GeminiMan and it’s probably the only movie I’d ever say absolutely must be seen in 3D (and 4K, if possible). I’ve never seen anything like it — it felt like I was inside the movie.
— Jordan Zakarin (@jordanzakarin) September 18, 2019
GEMINI MAN is a technical marvel. In its high frame rate of 120fps, the action sequences legitimately took my breath away. The 20-year-old script leaves something to be desired but seeing a young Will Smith pull off the dramatic moments was a treat.
— Hoai-Tran Bui (@htranbui) September 18, 2019
Last thought (for now): Gemini Man may be a Jerry Bruckheimer production, but it's absolutely an Ang Lee movie. Adjust your expectations accordingly. pic.twitter.com/fUavsiD6YS
— Ethan Alter (@ethanalter) September 18, 2019
Can't wait to rewatch this to dissect the action, there's a motorcycle chase that feels as visceral as the cab chase from Bourne Supremacy, whew
— Devindra Hardawar (@Devindra) September 18, 2019
Judging by these responses, Gemini Man is much more successful at using HFR visuals to make its action sequences feel immersive and realistic than Lee’s previous attempt in HFR storytelling, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. I believe its time we reexamine our original expectations for this film.