Gal Gadot, renowned for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, finds her latest cinematic venture, “Heart of Stone,” under the harsh lens of critical scrutiny. The action thriller has been met with critiques branding it as a derivative attempt, drawing comparisons to “a poor woman’s Mission Impossible” and a “joyless rip-off of Minority Report.”
In this Netflix production, Gadot takes on the role of Rachel Stone, an international spy operating within the enigmatic peacekeeping organization named The Charter. The heart of the plot revolves around Stone’s mission to thwart the acquisition of a mysterious weapon, The Heart, by malevolent forces. Alongside Gadot, the film features the talents of Jamie Dornan and Sophie Okonedo.
However, “Heart of Stone” is facing notable criticism due to its distinct parallels with “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One.” The film’s reception has been marked by observations of a “ludicrous plot,” “bland acting,” and an excessive reliance on CGI effects.
One critic, Brian Lowry of CNN, has not held back in his assessment, characterizing the movie as “a poor woman’s Mission Impossible.” This critique reflects a sentiment shared by many who have found the film’s lack of originality and narrative depth disappointing.
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman offers a particularly scathing evaluation, describing the film as ‘joyless, convoluted, and visually murky – in short, abysmal.’ Gleiberman takes issue with the storyline, suggesting that it lacks substance and feels formulaic, as if constructed by an algorithm rather than a creative screenwriter. He also notes a disconnection between Gadot’s earnest performance and the sharp dialogue, emphasizing that the movie’s core problem lies in its lack of significance.
Calum Marsh of The New York Times concurs, characterizing the film as ‘ludicrous and derivative.’
As “Heart of Stone” grapples with these critical reviews, it serves as a reminder of the importance of originality and engaging storytelling in the world of cinema. The critiques challenge filmmakers to delve deeper into unique narratives that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.
