Watch Wheelman
- TV-MA
- 2017
- 1 hr 22 min
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6.4 (22,532)
In the action-thriller movie Wheelman, Frank Grillo plays a skilled getaway driver whose expert abilities are put to the test when he is double-crossed during a bank heist. The movie, which was directed by Jeremy Rush and released in 2017, takes place entirely within the confines of the driver's car, creating a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere throughout its runtime.
The main character, referred to only as the Wheelman, begins the movie as a seasoned criminal who is hired to drive his crew to and from a bank robbery. The Wheelman is a no-nonsense guy who rarely speaks and prefers to keep his attention on the road. However, he quickly realizes that something is not quite right with the heist when the bank manager informs them that the money they were after is not in the vault.
With the situation rapidly spiraling out of control, the Wheelman must rely on his instincts and his driving skills to avoid the police, the other members of his crew, and an unknown group of people who are tracking his every move. As he races through the streets of Boston, he receives cryptic phone calls and text messages from an unknown source who seems to have a vested interest in the outcome of the heist.
The Wheelman's only link to the outside world is his estranged daughter, played by Caitlin Carmichael, who he calls intermittently throughout the movie. Their phone conversations provide some of the only moments of respite in the otherwise relentlessly tense story.
As the Wheelman battles to stay alive and figure out who has double-crossed him, the audience is taken on a wild ride through the seedy underbelly of Boston. We see the Wheelman navigate through darkened streets, maneuver around traffic jams, and use his car as a weapon when necessary.
The movie is propulsive and tightly paced, with a runtime of just 82 minutes. Despite the limited settings, the action is varied and moves at an exciting clip, with each twist and turn providing a new obstacle for the Wheelman to overcome.
At the heart of the story is Frank Grillo's intense and physically demanding performance. The actor spends almost the entire movie behind the wheel of a car, delivering a performance that is all the more impressive for the physicality it requires. Through subtle movements and facial expressions, Grillo conveys the Wheelman's growing frustration and desperation, as well as his determination to survive.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with Garret Dillahunt delivering a memorable turn as one of the crew members who may or may not be involved in the double-cross, and Carmichael bringing a much-needed vulnerability and heart to her role as the Wheelman's daughter.
Overall, Wheelman is a solid action-thriller that provides a fresh spin on the heist genre. By keeping the action entirely within the car, the movie is able to create a unique and immersive experience that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With its taut plotting, excellent performances, and pulse-pounding action, Wheelman is a must-see for fans of the genre.
Wheelman is a 2017 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 66.