Bullet Points: The Virtuoso

I am a big Anson Mount fan. I am not sure why. All I know is I will watch anything he is  in. Color me surprised when I found out he is the lead in The Virtuoso. I was able to get an early look. Let’s see if I am still Anson’s #1 fan. 

• The Legal Stuff: Lionsgate will release the crime thriller THE VIRTUOSO in Select Theaters and Everywhere You Rent Movies on April 30th; on Blu-ray and DVD May 4th.
• The Plot: The Virtuoso is the story of a hitman (Anson Mount) known only as The Virtuoso throughout the film. He is hired by Sir Anthony Hopkins aka The Mentor for a hit. He does not know the target. He only knows the target will be at a sleepy diner in a small town at 5 pm. Joining Mount and Hopkins in the cast are Abbie Cornish, David Morse, Richard Brake and Eddie Marsan. The Virtuoso is directed by Nick Stagliano and it is written by James C. Wolf. 

• The Voice: If voiceover narration is not your jam, I suggest you stay clear away from The Virtuoso. Anson speaks to the audience almost the entire film. He gives tips on how to be a great hitman throughout the film. If you are considering hitman work as a career, then The Virtuoso might be the movie for you. (Just kidding) 
• Speaking of Voices: Sir Anthony Hopkins has one of the most distinguished voices in all of cinema. You might wonder who he owed money to as you watch? I did not expect him in this film. Isn’t he still being nominated for Academy Awards? Regardless, Sir Anthony has one of those roles you would expect. He shows up at the beginning. He has a scene in the middle to remind you he is in the movie and he shows up at the end. Listen for a close to 10 minute war story monologue he has. He really brings his acting chops to that scene. 

• The Action and the Clothes: The Virtuoso is not nonstop action. It is more of an intelligent thriller. It does have a mysterious element to it which kept me engaged throughout. It also has some balls to it. The ending is not what I expected and I like how it actually has nudity in it. A lot of movies find any way to keep the clothes on. Or, at least the camera from showing the audience. Kudos to The Virtuoso for having nudity at the appropriate times. 
• Wrapping it Up: The Virtuoso is an entertaining film in the action / crime  / hitman / mystery / thriller  genre. Anson Mount is great in the lead. Speaking of great, Abbie Cornish might just steal the movie as The Waitress. I love these names: The Deputy, The Loner, The Dog, Handsome Johnnie, Johnnie’s Girl and The Motel Clerk. I honestly dug the hell out of The Virtuoso. To me, it is very watchable and very well made. The lack of nonstop action might keep some away, but if you focus, you should enjoy your viewing experience.
• Grade: B