Category Archives: Tony’s Take

His New Client: His Worst Enemy

“The Hitman’s Bodyguard” opens as a flawless, AAA-rated executive protection agent named Michael Bryce is completing one of his jobs.  Having never lost a client, he plans-ahead and prepares for everything.  Unfortunately, this time he can’t plan for the unexpected and his client is assassinated.  Two years later, his life is in shambles.  After a leak in Interpol allows for sabotage on a hitman’s transportation to the International Court of Justice (to put-away the former president of Belarus), our protection agent’s ex-girlfriend is left on-the-run with the most notorious hitman of all time: Darius Kincaid.  With no one to trust, she calls Michael and as he arrives, we see an old rivalry reignited.  With the prospect of ending the reign of Vladislav Dukhovich, Michael and Darius must come-together to take down their enemy and get to the International Court of Justice before it’s too late or Dukhovich will walk away as a free man.

Ryan Reynolds stars as the former AAA-rated executive protection agent, Michael Bryce.  Samuel L. Jackson stars as Darius Kincaid, the most notorious hitman of all time.  Gary Oldman plays the evil former-President of Belarus on-trial for his crimes, Vladislav Dukhovich.  Élodie Yung plays Interpol agent and Michael’s ex, Amelia Roussel.  Salma Hayek plays Darius’ wife, Sonia Kincaid.  Michael Gor plays Dukhovich’s lawyer, Livitin.  Tine Joustra and Joaquim de Almeida plays two top Interpol officials, Renata Casoria and Jean Foucher.

“The Hitman’s Bodyguard” struggles with action movie clichés, but it’s a fun, explosive throwback to the action buddy comedies of the ‘80s that provides plenty of laughs and entertainment!  It is abundantly clear that Ryan and Sam are having the time of their lives here.  The two form an excellent team, bouncing jokes and one-liners off each other with ease and the payoffs are great!  Reynolds is obviously trying to walk that fine line without falling into “Deadpool” territory, but keeping up with Jackson at the same time.  While only two characters, the stars that play them steal the show and carry the movie for much of its run time.  The supporting cast is strong as well, with Hayek stealing the show in her few scenes as Kincaid’s loving, but just-as-crazy wife.  The film uses its story to film some beautiful locales as well, such as Amsterdam and London that appear-beautifully on the screen.  “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” has plenty of action sequences for all to enjoy, each of them inventive and incredibly entertaining.  While the car and boat chases are extremely entertaining, it does showcase one of the film’s glaring problems.  The visual effects certainly leave more to be desired; there is a bright-hue throughout the film (which may have just been our projector) and so many of the fast-paced sequences are clearly fake.  I’m not sure if they just ran-out of money or if it’s intended for the ‘80s “feel, but it is a bit distracting at times.  The film also has some very predictable plot elements, but as the film never takes itself too seriously, it doesn’t take anything away from the story.  “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” has a run time of 118 minutes, moving at a swift pace and remaining explosive from start to finish.  The film does have a few missteps, but you can’t help but to have a great time as the two main characters badger one another through each adrenaline-fueled sequence.  “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” is a filled with plenty of fun and hilarity, making it thoroughly-entertaining and a great late-summer surprise!

“The Hitman’s Bodyguard” follows a former AAA-rated executive protection agent as he takes-on his first client in years: the World’s most notorious hitman.  The film features plenty of hilarious jokes and one-liners, a handful of fun, inventive action sequences, and a story that is a beautiful throwback to the ‘80s.  If you are heading to the movies this weekend, make sure “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” is on your radar!!

4/5

THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD is rated R for strong violence and language throughout, in theaters AUGUST 18TH!