| The Bricklayer | |
|---|---|
 Release poster | |
| Directed by | Renny Harlin |
| Screenplay by |
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| Based on | The Bricklayer by Paul Lindsay |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Matti Eerikäinen |
| Edited by | Iain Erskine |
| Music by | Walter Mair |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Vertical Entertainment |
Release date |
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Running time | 110 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $8,860[1] |
The Bricklayer is a 2024 American action thriller film directed by Renny Harlin from the script by Hanna Weg and Matt Johnson, based on the 2010 novel of the same name by Paul Lindsay under his pen name Noah Boyd, and starring Aaron Eckhart, Nina Dobrev, Tim Blake Nelson, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Clifton Collins Jr..
The film was released on January 5, 2024 in the United States by Vertical Entertainment.
Plot
After retiring from the Central Intelligence Agency, Steve Vail had been enjoying a peaceful life. He had dedicated years of service to his country, putting his life on the line, and was now looking forward to spending quality time with his family. However, everything changed when a former CIA employee, Radek, turned rogue and started blackmailing the agency. Radek's actions included the murder of innocent foreign journalists, cleverly making it appear as if CIA agents were responsible. The CIA found themselves in a difficult position, unable to expose their involvement in the killings but also unable to let Radek continue his destructive actions.
In a desperate attempt to resolve the situation, the CIA sought the help of their retired agent, Steve Vail. Though hesitant at first, Vail eventually agreed to come out of retirement and take down Radek. He was accompanied by Kate, a highly skilled and fearless CIA agent, who served as his partner and protector. Together, Vail and Kate tirelessly pursued Radek, determined to bring him to justice. Along their journey, they uncovered a shocking revelation about Radek's motives – he sought revenge against the CIA for betraying him in the past.
As Vail and Kate closed in on Radek, his desperation and danger escalated. He resorted to setting traps for them, manipulating innocent civilians as pawns in his pursuit. However, Vail and Kate's expertise and quick thinking allowed them to stay one step ahead. In a thrilling confrontation, Vail finally confronted Radek face to face. The ensuing fight was brutal and intense, with Radek utilizing all his skills and resources to defeat Vail. Nevertheless, Vail's determination and training proved superior, enabling him to overpower Radek and bring him down.
Just when they believed the mission was accomplished, Radek triggered a bomb, resulting in the deaths of several individuals and falsely implicating Vail and Kate in the attack. Nonetheless, Vail and Kate managed to clear their names and expose Radek's true motives. It was revealed that he had planned to exploit the chaos and confusion as a means to escape and continue his reign of terror.
Vail, Kate, along with a team of CIA agents, successfully apprehended Radek and his forces, ensuring that justice was served by destroying them. With peace restored, Vail, grateful for the chance to serve his country once more, returned to his retirement. He was accompanied by Kate and Terry O'Malley, his former CIA superior and trusted mentor throughout the mission.
In the final scene of the film, Vail, Kate, and O'Malley gathered together, enjoying a drink and reflecting on their triumphant accomplishment. It served as a poignant reminder that even in retirement, true heroes never cease to safeguard their country.
Cast
- Aaron Eckhart as Vail, a former CIA operative and manual labourer
- Nina Dobrev as Kate, a junior CIA agent working with Vail
- Clifton Collins Jr. as Radek, a former operative and friend of Vail
- Tim Blake Nelson as O'Malley, the Director of the CIA
- Ilfenesh Hadera as Tye, CIA Thessaloniki Station Chief
- Ori Pfeffer as Sten
Production
The film was announced in August 2011, with Gerard Butler set to star and produce.[2] In January 2022, it was announced that Eckhart would star, with Butler still producing.[3] In February 2022, it was announced that Dobrev joined the cast.[4] Later that same month, it was announced that Tim Blake Nelson and Clifton Collins Jr. joined the cast.[5] In May 2022, it was reported that Hadera was also cast.[6]
Principal photography began in Thessaloniki, Greece, in March 2022.[7] Filming took place at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Bulgaria and Greece.[5]
Release
In May 2022, it was reported that Screen Media acquired the North American distribution rights to the film.[6] However, Vertical Entertainment was reported in October 2023 to have picked up the rights and set an January 5, 2024 day-and-date release in the United States.[8][9]
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 47% of 15 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.9/10.[10]
References
- ↑ "The Bricklayer". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ↑ Kilday, Gregg (August 8, 2011). "Gerard Butler to Star in FBI Thriller 'The Bricklayer,' Based on the Novel by Noah Boyd (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
- ↑ Wiseman, Andreas (January 14, 2022). "Aaron Eckhart To Star In Renny Harlin Action Pic 'The Bricklayer'; Gerard Butler's GBase & Millennium Producing – EFM". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- ↑ Wiseman, Andreas (February 4, 2022). "Nina Dobrev Joins Aaron Eckhart In Renny Harlin Action-Thriller 'The Bricklayer' — EFM". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- 1 2 Roxborough, Scott (February 10, 2022). "Berlin: Tim Blake Nelson, Clifton Collins Jr. Join Millennium's 'Bricklayer' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- 1 2 Grobar, Matt (May 23, 2022). "Screen Media Acquires Renny Harlin's Action Pic 'The Bricklayer' Starring Aaron Eckhart & Nina Dobrev – First Look". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- ↑ Wichmann, Anna (March 16, 2022). "Filming for Hollywood Film "The Bricklayer" Begins in Thessaloniki". Greek Reporter. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- ↑ Grobar, Matt (October 25, 2023). "Renny Harlin Action Thriller The Bricklayer Sets U.S. Release With Vertical; Aaron Eckhart, Nina Dobrev Star". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
- ↑ McArdle, Tommy (December 13, 2023). "Aaron Eckhart and Nina Dobrev Go on a Manhunt in Action-Packed Trailer for The Bricklayer (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
- ↑ "The Bricklayer". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved January 12, 2024.