Movie Information
THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD
Release Date: August 18, 2017
Director: Patrick Hughes
Writer: Tom O’Connor
Cast: Elodie Yung, Ryan Reynolds, Tsuwayuki Saotome, Roy Hill, Richard E. Grant, Gary Oldman, Rod Hallett, Yuri Kolokolnikov, Nadia Konakchieva, Valentin Stojanov, Noortje Herlaar, Georgie Glen, Michael Gor, Barry Atsma, Ralitsa Vassileva, Abigail McLoughlin, Bradley John, Mariana Vekilska, Sophia Vassill, Kirsty Mitchell, Samuel L. Jackson, Tine Joustra, Sam Hazeldine, Joaquim de Almeida
MPAA Rating: R
Runtime: 118 minutes
Production Company: Campbell Grobman Films, Cristal Pictures, East Light Media, Millennium Films, Nu Boyana Film Studios, Skydance Media, TDMP, Lionsgate
Genre: Action, Comedy
Language: English
Country: USA, China, Bulgaria, Netherlands
Budget: N/A
There’s always been a mixing of genres within the film industry. Some work out, while others don’t, but of course, it’s always fun to see studios play around with new ideas. That’s the first impression that I got when I saw the trailer for The Hitman’s Bodyguard months before its release. It came across as a nonstop, laughing machine with high octane action mixed in throughout. Throw in two of Hollywood’s most notable stars, and you’d think you’d have a winner on your hand. If you thought that, you thought right. There’s such a high amount of comedy, energy, and action blended together that there’s barely enough time for you to stop and take a breath. In addition to that, it’s rated R, so there’s no holding back. This project turned out to be a well-mixed bag that movie goers will clamor for, for a while, and whether you take it seriously or not, it’s a fun thrilling ride that will appease all adults who love simplistic entertainment.
There wasn’t one single character in this movie that I didn’t love and appreciate. Even the villain played by Gary Oldman who was very scary. He’s a top notch actor, some may complain that this isn’t rich enough for him, but who’s to say a high caliber actor can’t have his fun either. Salma Hayek made a surprise appearance as well as a hitman’s love interest. She was fierce, and someone I wouldn’t want to piss off, or she might force you to stick your nose in the corner. Elodie Yung who plays Elecktra in the Marvel Netflix series, stepped up her game as well, being another worthy character. Though, the light shines bright on the two stars Samuel L. Jackson, and Ryan Reynolds. These two men had so much chemistry on screen, and it was as if they grew up together. Also with them somewhat being in the same professional field, they were polar opposites as products or their environment, but still had a ton in common. Their back story isn’t a deep novel that would move you, but the writing team did well enough to flesh their characters out enough for you to understand and care. Samuel L. Jackson especially with his role. Initially; he comes across as a bad-a** kicking assassin, and he is, but later on you find out he has much more powerful motivations that wake him up every morning.
That action though. Wow! I was very impressed, including what Samuel L. Jackson had to offer too. I expected as much from Ryan Reynolds to be honest, but I saw a side of Jackson I’ve never seen before in past films. He looked great with all his cockiness shooting bad guys with ease. It’s like he practiced every day even while asleep, and now he’s just going through the motions. He’s un-killable as his character is described, and that’s a good and bad thing that I’ll touch on in a moment. This was directed by Patrick Hughes, who have done only two films before with The Expendable 3 and Red Hill, so I was surprised with how well everything came together. Besides one particular song, the whole soundtrack/score brought life to the film. The way he shot his action, with multiple scenes of the camera not breaking a shot was superb. Whether this camera trick was real or an illusion, I couldn’t believe how choreographed it all was. It’s was thrilling and kinds forms of excitement wrapped up beautifully.
Don’t forget this film is a comedy too. During action scenes where death is at every instance, I want everyone involved to take things seriously. So mixing in comedy during pressing time and be a difficult task to achieve. There was no problem here with that. Again, it all mixed well, and I haven’t laughed this hard in a while. Honest comedy is the funniest comedy and seeing Reynolds and Jackson just be their real life persona’s was hilarious. I would love to spend a day with these two, and feel I would learn so much.
As expected the film still isn’t perfect though. While you’re having fun with all the action and laughing hysterically at a few moments it became too much. I couldn’t remember if I was watching a comedy or an action flick b/c it flipped back and forth so much. So much to the fact that stakes were lost and I began to feel that no matter what happens Samuel L. Jackson is never going to die. The film tried to address this, but I would’ve appreciated a more sense of danger when he was under gunfire, instead of him coming off like a video game character with 1,000 lives.
Besides all that, I had decent expectations for this film and they were met. This is easily something I would love to add to the collection and I can’t wait to do it. It has that repeat viewing quality and the feelings you’ll pick up little ester eggs during your 2nd and third viewing. It’s the perfect movie to sit back, shoving popcorn in your face, with all you wanting is a good ole action flick that’ll make you laugh.
