Is The Man Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Man is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 83 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Man Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2005, The Man emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Comedy, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A case of mistaken identity forces a Federal agent and a dental supply salesman to team up as they speed through the streets of Detroit to pull off a sting operation and solve the murder of the agent's former partner. Unlike standard genre fare, The Man attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Man features a noteworthy lineup led by Samuel L. Jackson . Supported by the likes of Eugene Levy and Luke Goss , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Man (2005) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Man Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Man is a Action, Comedy, Crime film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. A case of mistaken identity forces a Federal agent and a dental supply salesman to team up as they speed through the streets of Detroit to pull off a sting operation and solve the murder of the agent's former partner. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
The Man Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Man attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Man reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Man Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Man incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, comedy, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Man adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Man?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Man Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $33.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $13.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Man Budget
The estimated production budget for The Man is $33.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Man
- Samuel L. Jackson – Derrick Vann
- Eugene Levy – Andy Fiddler
- Luke Goss – Joey Kane
- Miguel Ferrer – Agent Peters
- Susie Essman – Lt. Rita Carbone
Top Highlights
Samuel L. JacksonDerrick Vann
Eugene LevyAndy Fiddler
Luke GossJoey Kane
Miguel FerrerAgent Peters
Susie EssmanLt. Rita Carbone
Anthony MackieBooty
Gigi RiceSusan
Rachael CrawfordDara Vann
Philip AkinSecond I.A. Agent
Christopher MurrayHomeless Man
Where to Watch The Man Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Starz Apple TV Channel
Starz Roku Premium Channel
Starz
Philo
Starz Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On Demand🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Man is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Man stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Man movie hit or flop?
The Man has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Man worth watching?
The Man is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Comedy, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Man online?
The Man is currently available for streaming on Starz Apple TV Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Starz Apple TV Channel, Starz Roku Premium Channel, Starz, Philo, Starz Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How The Man Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Man
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
