It would not be surprising if The Man from Toronto was written by a proprietary Netflix AI algorithm.

Such is its mish-mash of genres, set pieces and tone that one could easily see 10 000 previous feature films shoved into a movie mixing bowl, spitting out Toronto at the end.

Truthfully, all things considered, it is not that bad, but it is so sad seeing big budgets being spent on something so bland.

This is the kind of movie that attempts to hit every target market at once, where a family could all sit together and find something they will like.

Kevin Hart appeals to the younger generations with his shouty comedy, while Woody Harrelson will be more familiar to the parents.

And, of course, there is nothing wrong with that. Plenty of broad comedies use this model and do so effectively.

But when it feels as if it is done purely to try and keep eyes on the screen, it is slightly more cynical.

There is absolutely nothing offensive about Toronto. Put it on the iPad while you are cooking and you might even enjoy it, but is this what 75 million dollars buy you in 2022?

Mild spoilers to follow

Much in the mould of previous Hart action-comedies, he plays a slightly naïve protagonist who quickly gets in over his head.

This leads to plenty of high-pitched screaming through action sequences, while his co-star quietly does the real work in the background, throwing back undercooked quips while doing so.

In past years it has been Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in the other role and frankly that chemistry works better.

Harrelson is okay as a gruff hitman-for-hire, but the rest of the plot is paper thin.

This is done so that anyone can jump into this movie at any time and see big budget sequences, which they will ostensibly laugh at.

Who needs narrative propulsion when one simply puts recognisable faces in broadly recognisable set piece situations?

If you like Hart’s movie persona – which is distinct from his stand-up – then you will probably enjoy this.

You get plenty of his high energy hijinks throughout and if that is your idea of a good way to spend two hours, then fair enough.

Sometimes a mindlessly entertaining distraction is exactly what people want after a day at work – in fact Netflix has made a business out of it.

Do not go in expecting any more than that however.

Rated PG-13, some strong language and violence throughout.
2/5.