Ana de Armas

Although “The Gray Man” by no means breaks the espionage thriller mold, particularly striking performances prevent it from plunging altogether into tedium.

The screenplay seems to prioritize a complex romantic storyline over its portrayal of historical events, so much so that its politics become greatly oversimplified.

For longtime mystery lovers, the film’s over-the-top homages to the whodunit canon will be immediately obvious and endearing.

“Blade Runner 2049” gradually crescendos from dark, quiet dystopian drama to an epic sci-fi phenomenon, and it provides a captivating experience for audiences along the way.