Headhunters (2011)

French praises the adaptation as an intelligent, cool and brutal Scandinavian thriller. He singles out its cleverly prepared surprises and relentless, inventive chase for particular approval.

Kohn finds the film an exhilarating, comic chase that eventually falls back into familiar formulas. He praises Morten Tyldum’s lively action direction and Aksel Hennie’s nimble, Keaton-like performance.

Adams finds it a consistently surprising thriller that maintains coherence. He praises Aksel Hennie’s transformation into a scarred, humiliated underdog pursued by an implacable adversary.

Huddleston gives the film a strongly positive four-star verdict. The page teaser singles out its relentless succession of increasingly extreme dangers and reversals.

Glasby gives the film a strong review, praising its fast-moving action and tonal daring. He especially singles out Aksel Hennie’s charming performance as the deeply flawed protagonist.

Turan praises the film as a thrilling, over-the-top ride, despite its implausibilities. He singles out the slick direction and tension-building as strengths.

Ebert finds the film an entertaining, sharply plotted thriller. He singles out its dark humor and escalating twists.

Newman finds the film an offbeat, gripping thriller, though more fascinating than exciting. He praises its stylish direction and the charismatic lead performances, alongside its darkly comic, ruthless twists.

Lane finds the film admirably swift but dangerously silly in what it asks viewers to accept. He praises Aksel Hennie’s nuanced, mortified portrayal of Roger Brown as the film’s central strength.

The critic finds the Norwegian thriller slick and engaging despite its by-the-numbers, predictable middle. He praises Aksel Hennie’s performance for making the protagonist’s increasingly desperate plight compelling.

The accessible page identifies this as a review, but its verdict is hidden behind the paywall. The available text does not reveal what the critic praised or criticized.

The critic dismisses the film as mean-spirited and insubstantial, with no meaningful ideas beneath its nastiness. He particularly faults its protagonist for being an unsympathetic cipher whose suffering offers little enjoyment.

The critic praises Headhunters as an engrossing, funny, fast-paced thriller, despite a conclusion that feels a little too neat. He singles out Roger as a wonderfully flawed and watchable protagonist whose misadventures drive the film’s humor and suspense.

The critic finds the thriller gripping, surprising, and great fun despite a late stretch of clumsy exposition. Aksel Hennie’s performance is singled out for its fit with the film’s serious yet playful tone.

The critic recommends the film as a hugely entertaining, twisty heist thriller despite some plot holes. They single out its laughs, action, charming performances and unexpected turns for praise.

Bitel finds the film an entertaining, mainstream thriller with a sharp parable beneath its twists. He especially praises the dark comedy that punctures the anti-hero’s obsession with appearances and wealth.

The critic finds the film a thoroughly enjoyable, slick thriller with enthralling plotting and perfect pacing. They praise Aksel Hennie’s convincing performance as Roger’s life and status unravel.