After a previous mission turns out for the worst, professional bodyguard, Michael (Ryan Reynolds), accepts a new client to protect. The catch here is that Michael’s latest client is Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), a hitman who needs to arrive safely at the international high court to testify. So we have two skilled professionals, both with witty and fast-paced personalities. Can these two work together and survive long enough for Darius to testify?
This is a film that is not to be taken seriously. “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” is loaded with fun, over the top action scenes full of gunshots, random explosions, and chase sequences. The other key element to this film is the continuous banter between our two lead characters. Actor Ryan Reynolds & Samuel L Jackson have always been known for their witty and fast-paced sense of humor (Deadpool & Die Hard with a vengeance, for example). While Ryan Reynolds provides the same types of speeches, it feels like he always does; it feels like Samuel L Jackson was given more permission to basically unleash as much (including foul language) as possible. As expected, the best results and praise comes from how these two interact with each other and still manage to find deep moments to talk about love.
As we can enjoy a good laugh and praise the crazy action sequence, let’s also point out some of the other actors that pop up here. For me, the film’s villain was the weakest part of this film. Vladislav (Gary Oldman) was simply a man full speeches and threats, and I found it slowed the film down. His scenes were boring and trying to be far too serious after audiences have just loudly laughed moments before. Considering actor Gary Oldman has performed excellently in many films, I feel playing this type of character and the way the director has used him hasn’t brought the film any justice or helped the actor’s career. However, when the stunning actress Selma Hayek appears as Darius’ wife stuck in jail, she was so unexpectedly funny that I would say some of the best jokes in the film also come from her character and the frustration she always has towards Darius.
The film’s structure is A, B, A, B and so on- we get an action scene, then our characters stop to discuss issues. The film repeats this process until the credits roll.
Overall, I found The Hitman’s Bodyguard funny and entertaining. Its major drawback is the film’s villain and the way it, at times, feels like other films before it. The biggest strength is found within the dialogue between our two leading men and also in the surprisingly hilarious cameo from Selma Hayek. If you’re already an existing fan of the actors of this film, then you will know what to expect. To those who are unsure about the film, you might be shocked or disappointed at the comedy joy ride that The Hitman’s Bodyguard offers. With the right occasion and friends around you, this film is lots of fun.
7.2/10
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Review Written by Peter Walkden
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