Overall, if you appreciate meticulous action choreography and a dark, "hard-boiled" script, you will likely find it an underappreciated jewel . If you prefer clear-cut heroes and fast-paced narratives, the "sluggish" pacing and complex web of betrayals might be a deterrent.
The characters are intentionally unlikable. For some, like reviewers at Variety , this "cynicism" and lack of emotional engagement made the film difficult to enjoy. Quick Summary Table Reviewer Sentiment Action High praise for tactical realism and the final shootout. Cast The Way of the Gun
The script features sharp, aphoristic dialogue (e.g., "A plan is just a list of things that don't happen"). Benicio Del Toro and Ryan Phillippe excel as remorseless, low-level criminals, but James Caan is often considered the scene-stealer as the weary, seasoned "bagman." For some, like reviewers at Variety , this
Unlike many post-Tarantino films, it avoids being "fun" or "campy." Critics on Rotten Tomatoes note its "steadfastly unpleasant" and amoral atmosphere, which fans argue is a refreshing deconstruction of the genre. The Bad: Overplotted and Pacing Issues Benicio Del Toro and Ryan Phillippe excel as