Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Brutal
- paranoid
- lurid
- sardonic
- late night thriller viewing
- neo-noir marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded the film as a tedious, derivative neo-noir whose lurid violence and mystery-box premise squander its talented cast.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jack's assignment is to deliver a sealed bag without opening it, while multiple criminals pursue it.
The film combines neo-noir conventions, quirky criminal characters, lurid violence, and self-conscious genre imitation.
Jack is a hired shooter expected to follow Dragna's instructions while protecting the package from competing factions.
The plot follows Jack's mission through a single extended period as he encounters successive pursuers and allies.
Films like The Bag Man, and why
The Big Sleep
Shares neo-noir atmosphere, criminal underworld intrigue, stylized violence, and a mysterious object driving a tense pursuit.
The Hot Spot
Comparable as a crime thriller centered on deception, femme fatale dynamics, cynical characters, and escalating danger.
The Last Seduction
Shares lurid neo-noir tone, criminal conspiracies, morally compromised professionals, and a compressed suspense structure.
Killing Them Softly
A similarly stylized crime thriller with an enigmatic protagonist, dangerous criminals, and postmodern noir influences.
Movie Details
- Director
- David Grovic
- Release Date
- 2014-02-28
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 5.3 / 10 (387)
Cast
- John Cusack
- Rebecca Da Costa
- Robert De Niro
- Crispin Glover
- Dominic Purcell
- Sticky Fingaz
- Martin Klebba
- Theodus Crane
- Celesta Hodge
- Mike Mayhall
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Bag Man about?
- A hired shooter trapped in a motel-town maze must deliver a sealed bag while criminals, seduction, and betrayal close in around him.
- What is The Bag Man like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Bag Man as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Bag Man violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in The Bag Man as brutal.
- What did critics think of The Bag Man?
- Critics broadly regarded the film as a tedious, derivative neo-noir whose lurid violence and mystery-box premise squander its talented cast.
- Which films are like The Bag Man?
- Films with a similar feel include The Big Sleep, The Hot Spot, The Last Seduction, and Killing Them Softly.
- How long is The Bag Man?
- The Bag Man runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Bag Man?
- In United States, The Bag Man is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
