What’s it about?

After an attack by a crazed fan places his career in jeopardy, promising star quarterback Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) recieves an invitation to a training camp from legendary veteran of the game Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans).

What’d we think?

Much of the marketing for HIM has leaned heavily on Jordan Peele’s involvement, and while it shares some DNA with his movies, they are in a whole different league.

There’s some talent on display here, both in front of the camera and behind it. There are some striking visuals, and the more surreal sequences (of which there are plenty) are nicely composed, but they don’t serve the narrative. The lead performances are also quite good, Tyriq Withers delivers a grounded performance that believably wavers as things get weird, and Marlon Wayans proves yet again that he’s a fantastic dramatic actor in his role as the intensely driven GOAT who is nearing retirement. An extra special mention to a shockingly good dramatic turn from Jim Jeffries in a small but impactful role as the resident physician.

The movie’s main issues stem from how pared down the narrative feels by the time we reach the conclusion. Throughout the movie we get the occasional whiff of some larger scope, some grander plotting behind what we’re shown, but apart from some rushed dialogue towards the end, there’s very little payoff as very little has been set up. If a bit more time had been spent establishing the mechanics of the sinister goings-on, then the bloody conclusion would have had far more impact.

HIM isn’t a bad movie as much as it’s disappointing; there’s so much wasted potential that could have been turned into something special if the ideas lurking on the sidelines had gotten more time on the field.