First Gemini Man reactions say it's an action-packed technical marvel

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

After spending more than two decades in development hell passing through the hands of a variety of directors and actors, GEMINI MAN is finally ready to hit theaters. Starring Will Smith and directed by Ang Lee, GEMINI MAN centers on Henry Brogan (Smith), an aging government assassin who finds himself going up against a young operative who's able to predict his every move. It turns out that this new assassin is actually a younger clone of himself named Junior (Smith), and Henry must uncover the truth behind Junior's creation in order to save him from going down the same dark path.

Shot digitally at a high-frame-rate of 120 fps and featuring a younger CG Will Smith, GEMINI MAN finds Ang Lee once again pushing the HFR/3D limits, and the first reactions to the film paint it as something of a technical marvel which really needs to be seen on the big-screen.

Just saw Ang Lee’s #GeminiMan and it’s legit. Old Will Smith vs young Will Smith equals a visually visceral experience that’s absolutely wild to watch at times. Again, Ang Lee delivers bold, unique action that’s on par w/ the best. See it in 3D, for sure. pic.twitter.com/wRNlNfJQ9w

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) September 18, 2019

There’s one scene in #GeminiMan where old Smith and young Smith have an all-out brawl with one another. It’s pretty amazing to watch. I asked Ang Lee how they executed that sequence, and he said it was so involved it took 9 months to complete. 9 months for a fight scene! pic.twitter.com/aPq0RwTRSD

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) September 18, 2019

Just saw #GeminiMan. Ang Lee makes a compelling case for 3D and high-frame rates, particularly when it comes to action sequences. Don't see the 2D version. He admits that the technology is in its early stages, but it works better here than in #BillyLynn and deserves to be seen.

— Brent Lang (@BrentALang) September 18, 2019

Just saw the final cut of Ang Lee’s #GeminiMan and it’s probably the only movie I’d ever say absolutely must be seen in 3D (and 4K, if possible). I’ve never seen anything like it — it felt like I was inside the movie.

— Jordan Zakarin (@jordanzakarin) September 18, 2019

Just saw #GeminiMan and it’s wiiiiiiild. The young version of Wil Smith is incredible, plus some truly beautiful action sequences and a really great performance by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The only 3D movie I’ll ever endorse.

— Anne Cohen (@anneesthercohen) September 18, 2019

#GeminiMan is an interesting spin on a Bourne-esque mythos, with a sci-fi angle added on. It's interesting, but needs a little more story to really dig into. Enjoyable pieces, but a little slight when it comes to the overall picture.

— Michael Reyes (@MrControversy83) September 18, 2019

Also, we got to see the film in 120 FPS 3D. It's clear and bright, as any good 3D should be, but doesn't push the envelope like Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk did.

— Michael Reyes (@MrControversy83) September 18, 2019

On the bright side, it feels like we're headed for a Mary Elizabeth Winstead renaissance, as she becomes an action lead. This has me uber excited for her in #BirdsOfPrey.

— Michael Reyes (@MrControversy83) September 18, 2019

Just saw #geminiman and Will Smith is back to his old…and new self. The story is not original buy the visual and action sequences rock. Folks will get a kick seeing this cat and mouse hunt. Best to see on big and on IMAX.

— Wilson Morales (@blackfilm) September 18, 2019

Vibrating from excitement after seeing GEMINI MAN, it uses 120FPS and 3D to create some of the most exciting action sequences I've seen in years. Happy to see Ang Lee return to action, the choreography feels intense because it looks so realistic pic.twitter.com/qXM3lq1sn2

— Devindra Hardawar (@Devindra) September 18, 2019

The script is a bit generic, but I think the visuals and Smith's performance overcomes it. In terms of groundbreaking visual experiments, this feels as important as Avatar. The HFR is vastly improved from Billy Lynn, and the young Smith CG looks surprisingly accurate

— Devindra Hardawar (@Devindra) September 18, 2019

Can't wait to rewatch this to dissect the action, there's a motorcycle chase that feels as visceral as the cab chase from Bourne Supremacy, whew

— Devindra Hardawar (@Devindra) September 18, 2019

Ang Lee’s #GeminiMan is a huge breakthrough for 120FPS presentation. Action sequences are breathtaking in the format. Will Smith’s winning performance shows the level of scrutiny a real movie star can stand up to. If you don’t see it in theaters you’re missing a true experience. pic.twitter.com/k6nlyH6kD9

— Max Evry (@maxevry) September 18, 2019

Even high-frame rate skeptics may be converted by what Ang Lee pulls off in #GeminiMan. While not seamless, it's probably the strongest argument for HFR photography I've seen, and the illusion actually gets better as the movie goes along.

— Ethan Alter (@ethanalter) September 18, 2019

What really sold me was the day-for-night photography; the stars practically pop out of the sky. It's up there with Collateral and Miami Vice in terms of evoking nightscapes. And, not coincidentally, Dion Beebe, shot all three.

— Ethan Alter (@ethanalter) September 18, 2019

Last thought (for now): Gemini Man may be a Jerry Bruckheimer production, but it's absolutely an Ang Lee movie. Adjust your expectations accordingly. pic.twitter.com/fUavsiD6YS

— Ethan Alter (@ethanalter) September 18, 2019

Although you get the sense that the story may not be quite up to the task, it sure sounds like GEMINI MAN will give us some high-quality big-screen action in just a few weeks. As someone who wasn't necessarily feeling all that pumped about GEMINI MAN, I'm pleased to see so many people enjoying it. That said, keep in mind that these are just first reactions.

The official synopsis for GEMINI MAN:

Gemini Man is an innovative action-thriller starring Will Smith as Henry Brogan, an elite assassin, who is suddenly targeted and pursued by a mysterious young operative that seemingly can predict his every move. The film is directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Ang Lee and produced by renown producers Jerry Bruckheimer, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger. Also starring are Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen and Benedict Wong.

GEMINI MAN will hit theaters on October 11, 2019.