#Man with a van London cheap

[manandvanstar1]

House Removal Van Rental London Two Men with Van for Hire

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[anqmovers]

Affordable Man With a Van in West London - AnQ Movers

If you're looking for Man with a Van in West London. AnQ Movers offer affordable, safe, and secure removal services to households and companies. Man With a Van West London will gladly help you with all aspects of removals as well as moving to make the day less stressful. We will carry your furniture, load the van and transport your furniture and other possessions to your new home.

[manic-maniac-man]

HUgE November 2010

No Chaser

A man obsessed with jazz is always haunted by the shadow of a woman.

Even if they seek enlightenment in solitude, they are not allowed to play alone.

Right: Coat by Yves Saint Laurent ¥399,000, vest ¥120,750, shirt (reference color) ¥103,950, pants (reference color) ¥99,750, shoes (reference color) ¥131,250 (all Gucci Group Japan Yves Saint Laurent Division)

TOOTAL scarf ¥9,240 (Leetz Taylor the Sue Jingumae)

Leather gloves from Cheap Monday, ¥6,300 (k3 OFFICE) Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, ¥766,500 (Dazzling)

Left: Dior Homme coat ¥252,000, shirt ¥48,300, pants ¥84,000 (all Christian Dior)

Used loop tie ¥6,195 (beruf) Leather gloves by Chester Jeffrey ¥18,900 Shoes by Church ¥80,850 (both from Watanabe Sangyo Press Room)

Left_Raf Simons coat ¥413,700 (Saint Frere)

Turnbull & Asser shirt, ¥40,950 (Vulcanize London)

Adam Kimmel pants: ¥63,000 (reference price/HeadOn Japan)

-Used tie ¥2,940 (beruf)

・Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, ¥766,500 (Dazzling)

Used ring on the pinky finger of the right hand ¥8,400 (RUMHOLE)

Fratelli Giacometti shoes: ¥89,250 (Willie)

Right_Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci shirt ¥144,900,

Misuit ¥353,850 (both from Third Culture)

Adam Kimmel's shoes: ¥25,200 (Head On Japan)

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watch ¥766,500 (Dazzling)

Left_Comme des Garcons Junya Watanabe Man

Jacket ¥105,000 (Comme des Garcons)

Used knit polo shirt ¥3,990, used loop tie ¥5,145, used ring on right pinky finger ¥8,400 (all RUMHOLE)

Scye pants ¥29,400 (Masterpiece Showroom)

Right_Dries Van Noten T-shirt ¥12,600, pants ¥50,400 (both Dries Van Noten Aoyama store)

John Lawrence Sullivan suspenders, ¥14,700 (John Lawrence Sullivan),

Borsalino x CA4LA hat ¥48,300 (CA4LA showroom)

Vintage Tudor watch, ¥157,500 (Dazzling)

[stephensmithuk]

The Man with the Watches

Originally written in 1898 as part of a series of short stories called Round the Fire. Doyle needed money to complete a house he was building in Surrey. Insert your own jokes about actors, bad movies and extensions here.

Rugby is a town in Warwickshire, 83 miles north of London. Yes, it is where the sport of rugby is named after - more specifically Rugby School, a famous private school.

Smoking areas in British trains were gradually abolished from the 1980s, the final ones going in 2005 (GNER and Caledonian Sleeper). I have a 2000 GB-wide timetable showing where smoking was still permitted. In some cases, the trigger for the ban was the move to air-conditioned stock that would result in the smoke circulating in the rest of the train.

A Gladstone bag was a rigid-framed small suitcase that could be opened into two equal halves, named as such due to its used by William Gladstone, four-time British Prime Minister, who would start his final ministry later in 1892.

The guard's van on passenger trains was generally a specific section of a carriage that also had a caged area for carrying luggage, parcels and caged small animals.

Willesden Junction is located in Harlesden, NW London. It no longer has any platforms on the West Coast Main Line, with Avanti and London Northwestern Railway trains going straight past it. Its passenger service today is made up of London Overground Lioness line services from Euston to Watford Junction, Overground Mildmay line services from Stratford to Richmond or Clapham Junction and the Underground's Bakerloo Line from Harrow and Wealdstone to Elephant & Castle. The first and third share the same tracks, while the second operates, on lines shared with freight trains, on separate "High Level" platforms. There is a depot for Overground trains nearby.

Non-gangwayed stock i.e. carriages with no connection between them even for emergency use, continued to be built into the British Railways, with quite a few of the "first generation" of diesel and electric multiple units being built this way. Most got gangways in later refurbishments, but the Class 205 DEMU, bar one example (205205) altered in a refurbishment trial, would carry on without them until final withdrawal in 2004. Most of the survivors then promptly ended up in the hands of heritage railways.

The Bible Society of London was founded in 1804 with the aim of providing affordable Bibles in people's own languages, after the 1800 case of a woman called Mary Jones, who saved up for six years then walked 26 miles to buy a Bible in Welsh. It is still active today.

The London to Rugby line had been widened to four tracks in the 1870s. From west to east, the tracks go: Down (Northbound) Fast - Up (Southbound) Fast - Down Slow - Up Slow. Ergo, you cannot move between two Down trains without a big leap. (https://www.opentraintimes.com/maps/signalling/lec2#LINK_1)

A bunco-steerer is a swindler.

Green goodsmen operated a scam in which people were offered purportedly counterfeit notes printed using stolen plates (so appearing genuine) at a cheap price, being shown actually genuine notes in a bag. During negotiation, the bag was switched for one containing worthless goods, like sawdust or green paper. Having been duped out of real money, the victims were reluctant to report this to police as attempting to purchase fake money was illegal.

Card-sharping is cheating at cards using various means, including cutting bits of cards to mark the ones you would want. Vegas casinos frequently deliberately cut corners off used cards being sold to tourists to prevent them being snuck into their games.

Tammany refers to Tammany Hall, the corrupt political machine that had ran New York City, for much of the 19th century, leveraging support from Irish immigrants by providing them with jobs for example. It had been temporarily ousted from power after the Lexow Commission of 1894-95 into police corruption; to wit, promotions were being sold for large sums of money and officers got that through extracting protection money from brothels etc. However, it would come back in the 1898 elections and retain control with occasional breaks until 1961, when Carmine DeSapio was ousted as its leader. It then lost power and had gone by 1967.

Travelling salespeople would carry samples or models of their products on their trips, sometimes in branded containers. This has largely become a thing of the past, but is still around.

Northumberland Avenue used to have a lot of high-class hotels, but these have mostly gone. Some were taken over for government use for a while, including by the War Office.

"Mary Jane" appears to have been a slang term for a male prostitute; Mary Jane Kelly was the final victim of Jack the Ripper.

[mahayanapilgrim]

FOLLOWING INSTINCTS

The Vajrayana is very much based on mind, and therefore feelings and inclinations are important. If you have an uncontrollable urge to follow someone, it may be a continuation of a certain guru-student relationship you had in your past lives. In the case of following your intuition, conventional ways of assessing the guru are not necessary.

When Milarepa first laid eyes on Marpa, Marpa was plowing a muddy field of barley in a cold wind. It was all rocks and slush - nothing remotely resembling the brocade, incense, and parasols we so often associate with gurus these days. But upon encountering this man, Milarepa was so moved that he felt a bodily sensation. It's believed that Marpa stopped working, surveyed Milarepa from head to toe, and then asked him to finish plowing the rest of the field. He also offered him a little wine.

And there began the great Kagyu lineage, which went into the ears and minds of some of the greatest kings, queens, and emperors this world has ever hosted, including those of the Qing dynasty.

This relationship could not have arisen merely because of Milarepa's mundane aspiration for a dharmic connection.

There must have been a residue of a long-existing karmic link between those two.

Even some of my own students, who I sometimes refer to as my "victims," have approached me without much sober assessment.

After a long search for a spiritual path, Mr. Watson from Australia ended up with me after having some significant dreams. He woke up instantly trusting me. Ms. Coelln from New York City says she knew she had a connection with me when she first laid eyes on my feet in 1996. She thought I was wearing Japanese tabi socks, and this alone made her decide that I was her guru, so she started attending my teachings.

Mr. Peters reckons I became his Vajrayana master because, after his countless supplications for teachings, I finally gave him instructions in the men's toilet at Denver International Airport, just before I flew away.

Mr. Peters had always been awed by brocades and thrones, but somehow the gentlemen's toilet at the airport did the trick. Another one of my student-victims, Stephanie, claims that upon hearing my theory that Van Gogh could have achieved enlightenment if he had the right view, she knew I was her teacher. She says it was as if she were hearing things for the very tirst time, and that was the beginning of our relationship.

So we are led by our emotions. But if possible, this is where modern Dharma students should be careful. The devil's advocate "head" must be invited to rein in the touchy-feely "heart."

If someone truly inspires you, this is good, but to be a vajra master, he or she must have the skill and method to crack open your cocoon. If someone can do this, no matter how seemingly undistinguished he or she may be, this person is your master.

It could be a khenpo with no rank at all.

Appearances mean very little here. I admire those who follow Alak Zenkar Rinpoche. He looks like a hot-bun vendor on a street in China, but appearance is definitely a deception in his case. When it comes to dedication and contribution to the Buddhadharma, especially within the

within the Tibetan lineages, he surpasses anyone with colorful robes and gigantic names.

Within my own circle of groupies, there are a few old fogies whose first encounter of me was when I was hanging around in the cheap pubs of London, wearing jeans and a T-shirt — hardly looking like a Tibetan lama. Somehow they became Vajrayana students. Today when I see them, it's encouraging because it confirms the Buddhist concept of karmic debt. Their approach to me as a Vajrayana teacher did not begin with all the usual props and sound effects.

So it's absolutely understandable when people are taken when they meet someone like Surya Das, who looks 110 percent Jewish, with his overgrown beard and oversize belly. His presence and his speech, and his very pushy being, inspires them. Not only inspires but unravels their cocoons and prevents them from going astray.

Our normal, rational assessment does not always need to take precedent. This person who can wake you up becomes what we call

"guru with the three unsurpassable kindnesses." Even if the guru doesn't teach with moving lips, he can be your master. It's very individual. In this way, you can even get the nature of the mind transmission from someone like David Noodle.

The Guru Drinks Bourbon?

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

[envihellbender]

Fic based on 11 from your Spotify Wrapped and any fitting TMA character/scenario

Oh no mine’s embarrassing. Teenagers by My Chemical Romance (I was feeling nostalgic. A lot.)

Characters: Gerard Keay and Mike Crew

Content: teenage AU

—

Gerard stepped outside of Mercury Caves, his preferred metal bar of choice, and picked up his cheap, disposable lighter he’d picked up from Tescos alongside his pack of 20 Lucky Strikes. He hated the taste but they fulfilled the habit he’d picked up at 16. He preferred being inside, the loud, heavy music dulling his thoughts as the guitar solos set off something pleasing in his brain. However, he knew if he didn’t have a cigarette break every hour it’d get far too overwhelming. He was almost enjoying the buzz of city sounds and cold air as he began daydreaming, letting his mind wander as he stared at his scruffy old Vans trainers. The sudden noise and awareness that someone was standing far too close to him shocked him like he’d shoved his fingers in a plug socket.

“So why’re you so special?” A well-spoken voice mumbled from beside Gerard, the accent caused his hackles to raise more than the surprise. He had grown to associate posher vernacular with certain powers in London. The tattoo just below his navel burned into his skin as he began to feel sick, confirming his suspicions. When he looked up he did a double take at who greeted him. Despite how sure of himself the young man sounded and the arrogant luck in his mismatched eyes of two different blues he wasn’t that intimidating. He was short, coming up to Gerard’s chest, and skeletal as if a gust of wind would cause him to topple over. He had lichenburg scars marring one half of his face and both of his arms. Gerard could only assume they also covered his chest beneath his striped t-shirt.

“Who said I was special, kid?” Gerard retorted. “Why are you out here? Isn’t it a school night?” He knew the comment was childish but the surprise had taken away the best that his snark could come up with.

“I’m 17 not 12,” the young man snapped. “What do you care how old I am?”

“Makes you underage mate,” Gerard pointed out. He took another drag of his cigarette. He stared at Mike as if daring him to ask for one. “And although this place ain’t that strict about it doesn’t mean I won’t tell ‘em to card you.”

“Why would they believe you?”

“What you mean the regular or the new kid who couldn’t ride the tall person rides at Alton Towers?” Gerard snorted. The young man let out a growl and went to kick Gerard’s shins, he caught it just in time and stumbled a little to the left.

“I don’t intend to go inside,” the lad mumbled, looking up and down the street. They were silent for a moment whilst Gerard sighed and began to feel sorry for the kid who’d been dragged into all of this.

“So. Take it your Fairchild’s new pet?” He eventually forced out, trying to be as respectful as his defences would allow.

“I’m not his pet,” the young man scowled.

“But you can now make people get vertigo so bad they shit out their kidneys and he makes you call him Papa or some shit?”

“Doesn’t make me do anything,” he mumbled. “You’re rude. I don’t care for it.”

“Whatever, I don’t care for Fairchild’s special little guy hounding me. So I guess we’re even.”

“Why don’t my powers work on you?”

“Ask Papa Fairchild.” The opening bass to Blood and Thunder by Mastadon hummed through the door and Gerard put out half his cigarette on the wall. “I’m going in. Fucking love this song.” He got to the door and turned his head. “If you come in though I will rat you out, alright dickhead?”

“You know, just because I can’t get at you now, doesn’t mean I won’t. Remember the name Mike Crew, because next time I come for you, you won’t be hiding behind mummy’s little shield,” Mike spat before leaving. The jibe certainly sounded better in his head, but it was enough to ensure Gerard’s shoulders stayed tense for quite some time.

[londonfalling-rpg]

Codename: Patch

Gender: UTP

Age: 20s

FC: Archie Renaux or UTP

Being a first year emergency medicine intern at St. George's hospital doesn't pay much, and in London it barely covers rent. But Patch is nothing if not innovative, and when they start offering cheap medical care out of the back of an old camper van in Peckham to their brother's friends, word travels fast. They stumble into the world of the Jolly Rogers by pure accident. After a shoot-out gone wrong and one of the Crooked Hand's assassins bleeding out on the street, Patch is first to dive in and help. They save the man's life which in turn leads to something similar to part-time employment for the Jolly Rogers, even if they don't consider themselves a part of the group. As one of the group's on-call medics they see a lot of shit and clean a lot of wounds, but it's all invaluable experience. It's a dog-eat-dog world out there and Patch is willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead in their field.

[t0rschlusspan1k]

Barbara van Beck (1629 – c. 1668)

The Guardian: 'High-status' portrait of bearded woman bought by Wellcome Collection

On 15 September 1657 the diarist John Evelyn had a conversation with an intelligent, cultured German woman, dressed in the height of fashion, who played beautifully to him on the harpsichord. She also had “a most prolix beard, & mustachios, with long locks of haire growing on the very middle of her nose, exactly like an Island Dog.” The Wellcome Collection in London has acquired a remarkable portrait painted a few years before their meeting, which shows Barbara van Beck exactly as Evelyn described her: composed, dignified, wearing a beautiful and expensive low-cut grey silk dress, with a lace collar tied with a scarlet bow, and more ribbons in her hair which was, Evelyn wrote, “neatly dress’d … of a bright browne & fine as well dressed flax”. “We dont know who painted the portrait, or where, when or for whom, but the point of it is Barbara’s dignity,” Angela McShane, Wellcome’s research development manager, said. “This is a beautifully executed high-status painting. She is not portrayed as a freak as the Victorians would have described her – as I often say when lecturing, you can blame the Victorians for most things – but as a woman with great self-possession and presence, painted at a time when she would have been viewed, as Evelyn saw her, as wonderful, a natural wonder.” “There is nothing titillating about her low-cut dress either, though we might now see it that way. She is dressed is in the highest fashion of the day and contemporary viewers would have recognised that.” Samuel Pepys, Evelyn’s contemporary and friend, also met a bearded woman in London in 1668. Some historians believe it was the same person, but McShane thinks this was another woman with a different condition. The diarist described her as “a little plain woman, a Dane, her name Ursula Dyan, about 40 years old, her voice like a little girl’s, with a beard as much as any man I ever saw, as black almost and grizzly”. Evelyn had been dragged in by friends to see a Turkish tightrope walker, and was surprised to meet Barbara, whom he described as “the hairy Maid, or Woman”. He had met her 20 years earlier when she was only eight, but already being exhibited by her parents. She was born Barbara Ursler in 1629 near Augsburg in Bavaria, one of several children but the only one with the condition – unlike the famous Gonzalez family a generation earlier who were all famously hairy – and spent periods living at the French and several Italian courts. Her parents exhibited her in travelling shows, but she clearly also acquired an education. By the time Evelyn met her, she was in London for at least the second time, and had travelled widely across Europe. She spoke several languages, and as she told Evelyn, had married a Dutchman called Michael von Beck. She told him she had “one child that was not hairy, nor were any of her parents or relations”. Evelyn compared her appearance to that of an Iceland dog, a fashionable shaggy lap dog of the day. “Her very Eyebrowes were combed upward, & all her forehead as thick & even as growes on any woman’s head, neatly dress’d. There come also two locks very long out of each eare … the rest of her body not so hairy yet exceedingly long in comparison, armes, neck, breast & back … & for the rest very well shaped, plaied well on the Harpsichord.” McShane said Evelyn’s description of the meeting was significant. “They had a proper conversation, he didn’t just stare at her. There is nothing of the cheap sideshow about it. This is an elegant entertainment for aristocrats.” [...]

[petervc88]

Cappelle O'Clock - Songs about Wolves - 16 oktober 2024

Al een tijdje een heel actueel thema, dus daarom draaide ik in deze uitzending van Cappelle O'Clock op Nowhere Radio nummers over wolven.

Terugluisteren kan hier.

Dit was de playlist:

Warren Zevon - Werewolves of London Wolfmother - Woman Ben Howard - The Wolves Howlin' Wolf - I'm The Wolf Lightnin' Hopkins - The Howlin' Wolf First Aid Kit - Wolf Shakira - She Wolf Rag 'N' Bone Man - Wolves Kovacs - Wolf In Cheap Clothes a balladeer - A Wolf At The Door Radiohead - A Wolf At The Door Mumford & Sons - The Wolf LL Cool J. - Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf? AURORA - Running With The Wolves U2 - Raised By Wolves Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf

Cappelle O'Clock is iedere woensdagavond van 21:00 t/m 22:00 te horen op Nowhere Radio.

[njremovals]

Cheap Van Transport Chelmsford

NJ Removals best for removal services in London, Hertfordshire & Chelmsford. Specializing in packing & unpacking, man and van services, & residential relocation. For more details visit us: https://njremovals.com/

[manandvanstar1]

Man and Van Services in London: Simplifying Your Moving Experience

Moving to a new home or office in London can be both exciting and daunting. From packing up belongings to arranging transportation, the process often entails numerous logistical challenges. However, with the assistance of reliable man and van services, such as Man and Van Star, the transition becomes notably smoother and more manageable.

What Sets Man and Van Star Apart?

Man and Van Star stands out among other moving services in London due to its commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. With years of experience in the industry, their team understands the unique needs and challenges associated with moving in a bustling metropolis like London. Whether you're relocating to a new apartment, house, or office, Man and Van Star offers tailored solutions to meet your specific requirements.

Comprehensive Services

Man and Van Star offers a comprehensive range of services designed to streamline the moving process from start to finish. These services include:

Efficient Packing: Their skilled team employs efficient packing techniques to ensure the safe transport of your belongings. From fragile items to bulky furniture, they handle each item with care and attention to detail.

Secure Transportation: Man and Van Star operates a fleet of modern, well-maintained vehicles equipped to transport your possessions safely and securely. Their drivers are experienced professionals who navigate London's streets with precision and expertise.

Loading and Unloading: On moving day, their team takes care of all loading and unloading tasks, sparing you the physical strain and hassle. With their assistance, you can focus on settling into your new space with peace of mind.

Assembly and Disassembly: If required, Man and Van Star can assist with the assembly and disassembly of furniture and other items. Their team is equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to handle these tasks efficiently.

Storage Solutions: For those in need of temporary storage solutions, Man and Van Star offers secure storage facilities to safeguard your belongings until you're ready to retrieve them.

Customer-Focused Approach

At Man and Van Star, customer satisfaction is paramount. From your initial inquiry to the completion of your move, their friendly and professional team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support. They understand that every move is unique, and they strive to accommodate your specific needs and preferences every step of the way.

Competitive Pricing

Despite offering top-notch service, Man and Van Star remains committed to affordability. They understand that moving expenses can add up quickly, and they strive to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality or reliability. With transparent pricing and no hidden fees, you can trust Man and Van Star to deliver value for your money.

Conclusion

If you're planning a move in London and seeking a reliable and efficient partner to assist you every step of the way, look no further than Man and Van Star. With their comprehensive services, customer-focused approach, and competitive pricing, they are the go-to choice for hassle-free moving experiences in the bustling capital city. Trust Man and Van Star to turn your relocation into a seamless and stress-free journey.

[rubbishremoval3]

Rubbish Removal Company in London | Waste Clearance Service

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[removalsservices]

Navigating Man and Van Services in London: Comparing Prices and Services

Moving homes or transporting goods within a bustling city like London can be a daunting task. Whether you're a student relocating to a new flat, a small business owner moving inventory, or a homeowner shifting furniture, the need for a reliable and cost-effective transport service is paramount.

In this blog, we'll explore the world of man and van services in London, focusing on prices, services offered, and how to compare them effectively.

Understanding Man and Van Services

Man and van services cater to the need for transportation and help in moving goods from one place to another. They typically involve a driver (the "man") and a vehicle (the "van") equipped to transport various items, ranging from small boxes to furniture and appliances. These services are commonly utilized for small-scale moves, offering a more flexible and affordable option compared to traditional moving companies.

Factors Affecting Man and Van Prices in London

Several factors influence the pricing of man and van services in London:

Distance: The distance to be covered is a key determinant of pricing. Whether you're moving within the same neighborhood or across the city, the distance impacts the overall cost.

Size and Weight of Items: The volume and weight of the items being transported affect the price. Bulkier or heavier items may require a larger van or additional manpower, impacting the cost.

Time of the Move: Moving during peak hours, weekends, or public holidays may result in higher prices due to increased demand.

Additional Services: Some man and van services offer extra services such as packing, dismantling and reassembling furniture, which can influence the overall cost.

Man and Van Prices in London: Comparing Options

In London, the market for man and van services is competitive, offering a range of prices and services. To compare effectively:

Research Multiple Providers: Look for several service providers in London. Websites, review platforms, and recommendations from friends can be valuable resources.

Request Detailed Quotes: Reach out to these providers and request detailed quotes based on your specific needs. Ensure the quotes include all potential costs.

Check Reviews and Reputation: Look for customer reviews and the reputation of the company. A cheaper service might not always guarantee reliability or quality.

Ask about Insurance and Additional Services: Inquire about insurance coverage for your items and any additional services they offer. Sometimes, paying a bit more for added services can save time and stress.

Cheap Man with a Van: Balancing Cost and Quality

While everyone aims for a cost-effective service, it's essential to strike a balance between affordability and quality. Opting for the cheapest service might sometimes mean compromising on reliability or the safety of your items. Thus, it's crucial to assess the overall value provided by the man and van service.

Conclusion

Man and van services in London offer a convenient and flexible solution for various moving needs. To find the best option, one must consider the balance between price, reliability, and the specific services offered. Comparing quotes and services allows for informed decision-making, ensuring a smooth and efficient moving experience.

Remember, the best 'cheap' man with a van service might not be the one with the lowest price, but the one that offers the best value for your specific moving requirements.

[disappointingyet]

Hit Man 

Director Richard Linklater Stars Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Retta USA 2023 Language English 1hr 53mins Colour

A load more fun than your average Nietzsche-quoting movie 

There’s a bunch of people in the media who reckon Glen Powell is on the verge of proper movie stardom. I learned long ago that I have no talent for picking winners, so I won’t offer an opinion on that, but he’s certainly co-written himself a blinder of a role here.

Gary Johnson (Powell) is a geeky lecturer in philosophy and psychology in New Orleans. As his students point out in the opening scene, there’s a huge gap between his full-throttle philosophical positions and his meek lifestyle. 

But Gary has an improbable side hustle (and, as it happens, there was a real Gary Johnson who did both these jobs.) He helps the police with stings on people who are trying to hire a hit man. Initially, he’s one of the crew listening in in the van, but then there’s an an emergency and he gets ‘promoted’ to the person playing the killer for hire. And, to everyone’s surprise, it turns out he has a flair for acting and improv.

For a guy currently best known for appearing in Top Gun: Maverick, the chance to go full Peter Sellers and do a wild variety of looks and accents must have been pretty irresistible. Of course, that can be a recipe for something truly terrible but, fortunately, Powell is very good and very funny in these scenes.  

One of the tricky bits for a movie like this is settling down from a series of entertaining set pieces into a main plot that has to keep us interested. So often, the need to tell a conventional story makes everything very plodding. I won’t spoil what happens in this one but Richard Linklater manages the transition smoothly, aided by the chemistry between Powell and Adria Arjona.

Beyond that, nailing the tone in a crime comedy is something that trips up filmmakers all the time. Is it OK to be silly when murder is a possibility? How do you balance a feeling of peril with good jokes? When is something dark comedy and when is it just sadistic? The post-Tarantino 1990s, in particular, were rife with films that got that balance horribly wrong and ended up both glib and nasty.

Linklater has made some of my favourite movies, but he likes to try a lot of things and doesn’t always succeed. His last three films are generally considered to be not up to scratch. The two I’ve seen have been disappointing but in very different ways.

With Hit Man, though, he’s got it absolutely right: it’s the good kind of daft but with some interesting ideas being discussed, the casting is great (from Retta and Sanjay Rao as Gary’s police colleagues to all people trying to hire a cheap assassin) and it rattles along.

Powell has actually been around for a very long time – he first worked with (his fellow Texan) Richard Linklater way back in 2006* – but if his time in the spotlight has come, this film makes an extremely good case for him.

*I first remember him from Linklater’s 2016 movie Everybody Wants Some!!, but the first thing I would have seen him on screen in was 2005’s The Wendell Baker Story. That film – which I think was unfairly dismissed – was made by the Wilson brothers, and Powell certainly has a touch of both Owen and Luke in Hit Man.

I saw Hit Man at the  BFI London Film Festival 2023