Name: One Day as a Lion
Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
Released: 2023-04-04T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Scott Caan, Frank Grillo, Marianne Rendón, J.K. Simmons, Taryn Manning

The opening diner scene of One Day as a Lion sets a tone of awkward chaos: Jackie Powers (Scott Caan), a would-be hitman with the grace of a bull in a china shop, stumbles through a botched shootout like a man playing dress-up in a gangster’s suit. It’s an inauspicious start to a film that never quite finds its rhythm.

Directed by John Swab and written by Caan himself, this crime comedy follows Jackie as he attempts to prevent his son from following in his criminal footsteps while evading his mob employer Walter Boggs (J.K. Simmons). The premise is ripe for dark humor and tension, but the execution falters under the weight of uneven pacing and tonal inconsistencies.

Scott Caan’s performance is the film’s most compelling—and frustrating—element. His portrayal of Jackie Powers oscillates between genuine pathos and cringe-worthy buffoonery. There are moments when Caan captures the desperation and love of a father trying to protect his son from a life of crime, but these are often undercut by scenes of slapstick incompetence that feel more like parody than character development. Jackie’s journey is meant to be both humorous and heartfelt, but the film struggles to balance these elements, leaving the audience unsure whether to laugh with him or at him.

Supporting performances from Frank Grillo and J.K. Simmons provide some stability. Grillo, as Pauly Russo, delivers a grounded performance that adds a layer of authenticity to the otherwise farcical world. Simmons, as the menacing Walter Boggs, exudes a quiet intensity that makes his presence felt even in his limited screen time. However, their roles are underdeveloped, leaving little room for them to make a significant impact on the narrative.

The film’s originality lies in its off-kilter tone and thematic exploration of redemption and family. Swab, known for his work on Body Brokers, brings a certain gritty charm to the project, but the screenplay’s structural issues hinder his ability to fully realize the story’s potential. The pacing is uneven, with long stretches of filler that do little to advance the plot. The action sequences, though occasionally entertaining, lack the polish and intensity needed to elevate the genre.

Thematically, One Day as a Lion touches on the cyclical nature of crime and the desire to break free from one’s past. Jackie’s struggle to protect his son from the life he himself has led is a poignant exploration of paternal love and the consequences of one’s choices. However, these themes are often overshadowed by the film’s comedic elements, which dilute the emotional weight of the story.

Visually, the film is functional but unremarkable. The cinematography by Swab lacks the distinctive style that could have elevated the material. The score, while serviceable, fails to enhance the film’s emotional beats or heighten its tension. The sound design is similarly forgettable, with no standout moments that leave a lasting impression.

The film’s attempt to blend comedy and crime results in a muddled narrative that struggles to find its identity. There are moments of genuine wit and charm, such as Jackie’s chance encounter with crafty waitress Lola Brisky (Marianne Rendón). Their banter is sharp and engaging, offering a glimpse of the chemistry that could have been explored further. However, these moments are too few and far between, leaving the audience to wade through long stretches of underwhelming material.

One Day as a Lion is a film that tries to be many things at once—a dark comedy, an action thriller, a crime drama—but ultimately fails to excel in any single genre. It’s a shame, because there are glimmers of potential throughout the film that hint at what could have been. The cast, particularly Caan and Simmons, deliver performances that are worth watching, but they are let down by a screenplay that struggles to find its footing.

In comparison to other films in the genre, One Day as a Lion falls short. It lacks the dark humor and sharp wit of films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, the intense action sequences of John Wick, or the emotional depth of The Town. Instead, it exists in a limbo between genres, never fully committing to any one style or tone.

Ultimately, One Day as a Lion is a missed opportunity. The film’s attempt to blend comedy and crime results in a muddled narrative that struggles to find its identity.