Woody Harrelson’s ‘Triple 9’ Deserves a Second Look

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  • The Intriguing Narrative of ‘Triple 9’
  • Harrelson, Paul, and Other Notable Performances in ‘Triple 9’
  • Critical Reception of ‘Triple 9’

Veteran actor Woody Harrelson has graced our screens in numerous memorable films across diverse genres. Ranging from his portrayal of Haymitch Abernathy in the Hunger Games series to Tallahassee in the Zombieland flicks, it’s undeniable that Harrelson is a skilled performer. Throughout his illustrious career, he has garnered several awards and nominations, including an Oscar nod for Best Actor in The People vs. Larry Flynt. Among the many enjoyable Woody Harrelson movies, there’s one standout production that fans should definitely watch: Triple 9.

2016’s “Triple 9” is an exhilarating action thriller helmed by director John Hillcoat. Besides Harrelson, it features a distinguished ensemble including Casey Affleck, Anthony Mackie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet, Norman Reedus, and Gal Gadot. Notably, “Triple 9” also stars Aaron Paul, famed for his exceptional portrayal of Jesse Pinkman in the widely praised series “Breaking Bad.” With its gripping action sequences, intricate plot twists, and impressive cast lineup, this film is definitely worth watching.

The Intriguing Narrative of ‘Triple 9’

Minor spoilers for ‘Triple 9’

The movie portrays a criminal gang based in Atlanta, comprising Michael Atwood (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), Russell Welch (Norman Reedus), Gabe Welch (Aaron Paul), Marcus Belmont (Anthony Mackie), and Franco Rodriguez (Clifton Collins Jr.). Michael and Russell are ex-Navy SEALs, Gabe was a police officer, while Marcus and Franco are current APD detectives who have been corrupting the law enforcement system. Given their diverse background in various law enforcement roles, they know what it takes to thrive in the criminal world.

The movie starts by showing a group stealing from a bank to get hold of a safe deposit box. Inside this box is data that could potentially reverse the latest judgment against a powerful Jewish-Russian Mafia leader. Upon receiving the box, Irina Vaslov (played by Kate Winslet), the mob boss’s spouse, initially declines to compensate Michael and instead tasks him with another covert operation, this time requiring him to infiltrate the Department of Homeland Security.

In a bind with no other options, we resort to executing a Triple 9 strategy to distract law enforcement from our heist site. This maneuver triggers an “officer down” alarm, drawing officers away to respond. Meanwhile, as the intricate plan unfolds, Detective Jeffrey Allen (Woody Harrelson), who’s been tracking the bank robbery case, begins to suspect Gabe of being involved in the crime. From here on out, we proceed with our illicit activities, launch heists, and keep audiences on edge as they watch us attempt to pull off this perilous mission successfully.

Harrelson, Paul, and Other Notable Performances in ‘Triple 9’

Critics and viewers alike praise the cast of “Triple 9” for delivering top-notch performances that effectively maintain audience interest in both their characters and the intricate plot. Harrelson’s unyielding determination keeps the film’s tension at a peak, as his character doggedly pursues elusive leads, drawing himself further into the web of criminality. The rest of the cast skillfully conveys the characters’ palpable fear of their impending fates, making it evident to the audience. Every actor does an excellent job of portraying the anxiety felt by each character, as they all sense the looming threat to their lives.

Aaron Paul’s portrayal of Gabe Welch stands out significantly. Following a heartbreaking incident at the movie’s start, Gabe grapples with the aftermath. Paul skillfully expresses this change in Gabe through subtle yet deep cues that hint at his discomfort with his usual tasks. This performance allows viewers to empathize with the profound internal conflict Gabe experiences, amplifying the emotional weight of his final destiny.

Critical Reception of ‘Triple 9’

In my viewpoint, the movie Triple 9 garnered a critic score of 54% and an audience score of 41% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the actors delivering commendable performances, it seems that these performances might not have been sufficient to salvage the somewhat wandering storyline of the film itself. Frankly, I believe that Triple 9 may have faced challenges from the beginning due to its decision to center on an entire ensemble of significant characters, each contributing fresh elements to the plot. Consequently, numerous viewers felt that the movie’s narrative became muddled and perplexing at certain points.

Critics have pointed out that while Triple 9 boasts dazzling action scenes, a talented ensemble, and striking visuals, it lacks originality within the overcrowded action movie genre. In other words, despite its flashy elements, the film doesn’t bring anything fresh to the table for viewers, causing it to blend in with other films of its kind. Although audience response is generally indifferent, fans of the main cast members such as Harrelson, Paul, and others might find it worth watching. Triple 9 can currently be streamed on Max.

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2025-01-06 02:32