The Hitman's Bodyguard - Film Review

The Hitman's Bodyguard - Film Review

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2023-05-06 by PerthKelfollow
The Hitman's Bodyguard is a 2017 action-comedy film directed by Patrick Hughes and starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek. The film follows the story of a former elite bodyguard who is forced to protect a notorious hitman, as they travel from England to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Along the way, they face a series of obstacles and enemies who are determined to stop them.

The plot of The Hitman's Bodyguard revolves around Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), a former Triple-A rated executive protection agent who has fallen on hard times. After one of his clients is killed on his watch, Bryce loses his rating and is reduced to working for less prestigious clients. However, when Interpol agent Amelia Roussel (Elodie Yung) approaches Bryce with a new job, he reluctantly agrees to take it on.

The job involves protecting Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), a notorious hitman who has agreed to testify against Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman), a ruthless dictator who has committed countless atrocities. Dukhovich is on trial at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, and Kincaid is the key witness. However, Dukhovich will stop at nothing to prevent Kincaid from testifying, and it quickly becomes clear that the job will be anything but easy.

Bryce and Kincaid have a history together, as Bryce had previously been hired to protect Kincaid's targets. The two men don't get along, and Bryce is hesitant to work with Kincaid again. However, Roussel convinces him that it is his only chance to redeem himself and regain his Triple-A rating.

The trio sets out on a perilous journey from London to The Hague, with Dukhovich's henchmen in hot pursuit. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles, including a band of Belarusian thugs and Kincaid's wife, Sonia (Salma Hayek), who is being held captive in Amsterdam.

Despite their differences, Bryce and Kincaid begin to develop a mutual respect for one another as they navigate their way through a series of dangerous situations. Meanwhile, Dukhovich continues to plot his revenge, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown in The Hague.

The film is notable for its impressive cast, with Reynolds and Jackson delivering excellent performances that play to their respective strengths. Reynolds, known for his sarcastic wit and comedic timing, delivers many of the film's laughs, while Jackson, a master of the tough-guy persona, is hilarious as Darius Kincaid. The chemistry between the two actors is excellent, and they play off each other's strengths throughout the film.

In addition to the main cast, The Hitman's Bodyguard also features a number of talented supporting actors. Gary Oldman, who is known for his iconic roles in films such as The Dark Knight and Harry Potter, plays the film's primary villain, Vladislav Dukhovich. While Oldman's role is relatively small, he brings a level of gravitas to the character that makes him a memorable antagonist. Other notable supporting actors include Elodie Yung, who plays Interpol agent Amelia Roussel, and Joaquim de Almeida, who plays Dukhovich's right-hand man.

One of the standout elements of The Hitman's Bodyguard is its action sequences. Director Patrick Hughes, who previously directed the 2014 action film The Expendables 3, brings his experience to the table to deliver thrilling set pieces. From car chases through busy city streets to shootouts in crowded public spaces, the action is non-stop and keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. The film's climax, which takes place on a boat, is a masterclass in action filmmaking, featuring explosions, gunfire, and hand-to-hand combat.

The film's plot is relatively straightforward, with Michael Bryce and Darius Kincaid travelling from England to The Hague while being pursued by a variety of enemies. Along the way, they encounter Sonia Kincaid, Darius's wife, who adds a new level of unpredictability to the story. The plot is not particularly original, but it serves as a backdrop for the film's action sequences and allows the characters to shine.

While the film is primarily an action-comedy, it does touch on more serious themes, including redemption and forgiveness. Michael Bryce, who has been struggling to regain his status as an elite bodyguard following a tragedy, finds redemption through his relationship with Darius Kincaid. The two characters, who initially despise each other, come to understand and respect one another, and their relationship serves as the emotional core of the film. The theme of forgiveness is also present, with Michael Bryce coming to terms with his past mistakes and making amends with those he has wronged.

Another notable aspect of The Hitman's Bodyguard is its European locations. Shot on location in London, Amsterdam, and Sofia, Bulgaria, the film's settings give it a unique look and feel. The locations serve as a backdrop for many of the film's action sequences, with the narrow streets of Amsterdam and the busy canals of London adding a level of danger and excitement to the proceedings.

The film's soundtrack is also worth mentioning, featuring a mix of classic hits and contemporary pop songs. The music adds to the film's overall tone and helps to create a sense of fun and excitement. Highlights include "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner, which plays during a particularly memorable scene involving Darius Kincaid and a group of nuns, and "Nobody Gets Out Alive" by Kevin Rudolf, which plays during the film's climactic boat chase.

The Hitman's Bodyguard was a commercial success, grossing over $176 million worldwide. It was also well-received by audiences, who praised its action sequences and the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackson. While the film may not be a masterpiece of cinema, it is an entertaining action-comedy that offers plenty of thrills and laughs.

Overall, The Hitman's Bodyguard is an entertaining action-comedy that offers plenty of thrills and laughs. While it may not be the most original film, its excellent cast, impressive action sequences, and European locations make it a fun and engaging movie. If you're in the mood for a light-hearted, action-packed adventure, this film is definitely worth checking out.

#cinema
#Drama
#film_reviews
#movie_reviews
#rainy_day
#things_to_see
%wneverywhere
82756 - 2023-06-11 06:34:13

Tags

Music
Free
Arts_culture
Film_tv_reviews
Outdoor
Random
Nightlife
Family_friendly
Festivals
Community
Food_drink
Fundraisers
Educational
Holiday
Markets
Copyright 2024 OatLabs ABN 18113479226