Originally published August 20, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard, 2017.
Directed by Patrick Hughes.
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, Elodie Yung, Salma Hayek, and Gary Oldman.
SYNOPSIS:
The world’s top bodyguard gets a new client, a hit man who must testify at the International Court of Justice. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time.
If you’re looking for a sophisticated comedy then The Hitman’s Bodyguard is not for you. If you want a bit of no-nonsense fun with a ton of physical jokes and great chemistry between the leads then this is the perfect film for you.
Ryan Reynolds stars as Michael Bryce a private security agent who’s hit the rock bottom after failing to protect one of his clients and losing his status in the security community. He’s given the opportunity by his ex (Elodie Yung) to get everything back by escorting assassin Darius Kincaid (Jackson) to The Hague to testify against a brutal dictator (Oldman). We’re treated to a ton of action, globetrotting locations and Reynolds and Jackson’s signature comedy styles. They are essentially playing the characters that we’ve begun to expect of them, but that doesn’t stop this film being a ton of fun from beginning to end. Reynolds is a marmite actor and I firmly fall in the love category. His style is funny to me and I defy anyone not to be entertained by Jackson.
There is an issue with the use of the female actors in this film. Hayek steals every scene she’s in as Kincaid’s fiery wife Sonia but ultimately she is overly sexualised and is no more than window dressing. Elodie Yung as Interpol agent Amelia is also not given a lot to do. It also seems that despite her elite training she can’t seem to get out of a headlock unless someone else helps her. This didn’t affect my enjoyment of the film but it says a lot about the type of comedy on offer.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard is a by the numbers action comedy that doesn’t let up and is fun from start to finish.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Helen Murdoch
