Lost in the Abyss: A Critical Review of 'Freelance' Starring John Cena and Alison Brie

The Big Picture

Freelance is a disappointing action-comedy with poorly executed action, unfunny jokes, and inconsistent pacing.

The lackluster script of the film fails to make good use of the talents of John Cena and Alison Brie.

Despite its ambitions, Freelance falls short in its attempt to address complex political themes, leaving the audience with a messy and unsatisfying experience.

The disappointment of starting out as a freelancer is evident from the beginning. John Cena's character, Mason Pettits, reflects on his dissatisfaction with his previous career choices and his inability to fulfill his purpose in life. After leaving his job as a lawyer, Mason joined the special forces and was involved in a mission that went horribly wrong, leaving him injured and his team members dead. Now, he finds himself stuck in a suburban life as a lawyer, married with a daughter, which is far from the exciting life he had envisioned. It becomes clear early on in Freelance that this is not the type of project that suits John Cena's talents.

Fortunately, Mason's monotonous existence takes a turn when his former special forces friend, played by Christian Slater, offers him a job with his private military company. Mason is tasked with protecting journalist Claire Wellington, played by Alison Brie, during her interview with President Juan Venegas in Paldonia. Mason harbors resentment towards Venegas, whom he believes was responsible for the attack that resulted in the death of his team. As the coup unfolds in Paldonia, Mason must confront his feelings towards Venegas while ensuring Claire's safety. Just the typical setup for an action-comedy!

Freelance

Release Date October 27, 2023Director Pierre MorelCast Alison Brie, John Cena, Alice Eve, Christian SlaterRating RGenres Action, Comedy

'Freelance' Is an Action-Comedy Without Solid Action or Comedy

Image via Relativity Media

Directed by Pierre Morel, known for his work on Taken and From Paris with Love, Freelance disappoints with its lackluster action and subpar production quality. Despite starring Cena, Brie, and Raba, the film fails to captivate, with scenes that appear to be shot on backlots and green screens. The overall experience lacks excitement, failed attempts at humor, and inconsistent pacing. It takes an excessive amount of time for the story to gain momentum, focusing on Cena's character, Mason, as he complains about his life before the adventure in Paldonia even begins. Morel does little to transform this film into the thrilling escapade it aspires to be.

However, the blame for this disaster also falls on writer Jacob Lentz, who contributes to the film's flaws through disjointed pacing, poor humor, and a convoluted narrative that ventures into questionable territory. Freelance feels like a mishmash of multiple ideas, none of which make a significant impact. The initially mean-spirited humor, as Mason jokes about his mundane suburban life and dismisses his parental responsibilities, sets an unpleasant tone. Once the journey through Paldonia commences, the story becomes even more confusing, attempting to include a half-hearted love triangle between characters who only sporadically show romantic interest. Mason's behavior oscillates between being confident and clueless, lacking consistency. The humor falls flat, except for President Venegas' constant jabs about Mason's surname.

Yet most perplexing is the excessive complexity with which Lentz attempts to convey a seemingly straightforward concept. Rather than immersing itself in the action or humor, Freelance abruptly halts its progression to endlessly scrutinize the intricate plot of this story. Several minutes are wasted on Slater's character endeavoring to persuade Cena's Mason to accept this job—despite it being his coveted dream job. However, the most egregious flaw lies in the convoluted web of politics that Lentz weaves within Paldonia, incorporating mercenaries, dictators, and corporate-funded coups. Amidst these tumultuous twists and turns, governments are overthrown, power shifts occur, dictators forge unlikely alliances, violence becomes justifiable, and Freelance plunges into an eruption of gunfire that lacks any sense of earned justification, thematic cohesion, or necessity for the purportedly light-hearted escapade through the wilderness.

John Cena and Alison Brie Deserve Better Than 'Freelance'

Image via Relativity Media

Regrettably, this ensemble of talented actors gets lost in the chaotic narrative. Cena admirably attempts to inject a playful demeanor into the character of Mason, despite the peculiar aversion to commitment and propensity for violence. However, the lackluster script and absence of genuine humor hinder his efforts. Meanwhile, Brie, who has consistently demonstrated charm and comedic talent, is squandered here, frequently reduced to either a damsel in distress or objectified for her physical appeal. The mismanagement of these actors is painfully evident in the end-credits bloopers, where both Cena and Brie are seen playfully interacting on set, introducing a much-needed light-heartedness and authentic fun that is sorely absent elsewhere in the film.

President Venegas, played by Raba, emerges as the unexpected victor in Freelance, despite the unconventional script. While Lentz attempts to give the characters of Cena and Brie some depth, it is Raba's portrayal of Venegas that truly shines. Raba portrays Venegas as either a misunderstood president or a possibly deranged dictator. Despite the weight of his nation on his shoulders, Raba's character brings a playful energy to the film, injecting some much-needed humor into the supposed comedy.

However, Freelance falls short with its focus on the ever-changing politics of the fictional country, neglecting the action and comedy that one would expect from an action-comedy. Lentz's screenplay, while ambitious, stretches the film beyond its capabilities, causing its various elements to crumble. While ambition is commendable, when it becomes excessive, it is necessary to trim back. Just like Mason, played by Cena, Freelance desires to be something more but perhaps it should have settled for a simpler and more straightforward approach to find its true essence and satisfaction.

Rating: D

Freelance is now playing in theaters in the U.S. Click here for showtimes near you.