"Him" Review – Marlon Wayans &Tyriq Withers Shine, but Sports Thriller Fumbles Its Potential.

Director Justin Tipping shifts his focus from sneaker culture to football in his sophomore feature, “Him”, produced by Universal Pictures and Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions. Tipping co-wrote the script with Skip Bronkie and Zack Akers, creating a story that explores fame, idolatry, and the pursuit of excellence at any cost.

The film begins with a young Cameron Cade watching star quarterback Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans) during an intense game. After witnessing Isaiah suffer a brutal on-field injury, Cameron’s father instills a relentless pursuit of perfection in his son. Fast forward twenty years, Cameron (Tyriq Withers) is now a rising-star quarterback who has shaped his entire life—and identity—around football.

However, just before the pro league’s annual Scouting Combine, a violent encounter with an unstable fan leaves him with a devastating brain injury, shattering his dreams. Just when it seems that all hope is lost for Cam, he receives an unexpected opportunity: Isaiah, now an eight-time championship legend and cultural icon, invites him to train at his remote compound, where he lives with his glamorous influencer wife, Elsie White (Julia Fox).

Initially, Isaiah’s mentorship appears to be a lifeline, but as the training intensifies, his charm begins to transform into something sinister. Cam finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of power and obsession, spiraling into a struggle that threatens not only his career but everything he holds dear.

Since the film’s announcement, fans have speculated about its direction. Having made a strong debut with "Kicks", Tipping benefits from the support of an Oscar-winning producer, a comedian stepping into serious territory, and a rising star. Unfortunately, the final product feels like a mismatch between the studio and the director.

On a positive note, Marlon Wayans demonstrates surprising dramatic depth. Twenty-five years after impressing audiences with his Oscar-nominated performance in “Requiem for a Dream”, Wayans once again ventures into darker territory, fully committing to the role of Isaiah. Tyriq Withers is equally commendable, showcasing a natural athleticism and relatable quality similar to Cam’s. Withers clearly has the potential for stardom, and I look forward to the opportunities this film may create for him. However, the rest of the cast—despite Julia Fox’s usual reliability—feels underutilized.

The main issue with “Him” lies in its uneven tone. Rumors suggest that it didn’t test well, leading me to suspect that Tipping may have been sidelined during the editing process. The film shines when it focuses on the dynamic between Isaiah and Cam, highlighting the lengths one man will go to claim the top spot. I wish the film had stayed centered on that central relationship.

By the time the third act arrives, the film reveals its intentions in ways that feel clichéd, presenting too many ideas instead of homing in on just one. A good movie exists beneath the surface of “Him”, but the final cut fails to realize it fully. Still, the strength of the two leads makes it worth a moderate recommendation.

Final Grade: C

“Him” opens in theaters today.