When the movie “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” came out last summer (August 2017), I did not think much of it. I told myself it was just another generic buddy movie headlined by two superstars. I was correct about the movie being headlined by two movie superstars, however this movie is much more than a generic buddy movie. The Hitman’s Bodyguard was last summer’s quiet hit, grossing just over $75 million dollars. Not bad for a movie that many critics crucified.
The movie stars Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson and directed by Patrick Hughes, who brought you “The Expendables 3”. Samuel Jackson plays the notorious, manipulative assassin, Darrius Kincaid. Ryan Reynolds plays his bodyguard, Michael Bryce, who is the world’s top protection agent. Darius Kincaid is scheduled to testify against a heartless and cruel Eastern European dictator Vladislav Dukhovich (who is played by Gary Oldman), however the dictator would like to silence him from testifying. Michael Bryce is called upon to escort Kincaid from London to the Hague and prevent Kincaid from being murdered. This proves to be challenging since an endless army of Belarusian mercenaries do their best to shoot them down. Darius Kincaid and Michael Bryce have been mortal enemies for years, each working on the opposite sides (one protecting, while the other working as an assassin). This proves to be one adventurous, even outrageous 24 hrs between two people who get on each other’s case every moment they are together.
After viewing this movie, the first thing that came to mind was this was a type of take on the movie 48 Hours starring Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte. I must admit, what glues the movie together is whenever Jackson and Reynolds share the screen. These two have great chemistry together. Despite the plot being a little far fetched and having two subplots that are more or less relevant, the attraction is Jackson and Reynolds. Their timing is right on the money and together, they are hilarious. The movie also has great 80s style action sequences and chases that are simply enjoyable. A mention needs to go out to Salma Hayek, who plays Sonia, Kincaid’s wife who is incarcerated to ensure that Kincaid testifies. Her performance is at the same level as Reynold’s and Jackson. She is appearing to be in her element and is simply entertaining.
In no way whatsoever this is a masterpiece, however it is a great movie to escape for a few hours. When I read some of the harsh reviews at the time the movie was released, the movie just got hammered by critics. What ever happened in enjoying a movie for what it is, a distraction. Not every movie needs to be a literary masterpiece or gross over $100 million dollars. Despite the negative reviews, the movie did fairly well at the box office. Light action comedy movies are rare nowadays, so this movie was actually refreshing.
I give this movie 8 out 10. Great movie to chill and have a few laughs. For those who are interested, the movie is now available on Netflix.
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