The Hitman’s Bodyguard – 3/5 – Movie Reviews by Ry!
The Hitman’s Bodyguard – 3/5 – Action films are a mix bag of fun, thrills and enjoyment. No matter what spectrum of the genre, you are always witnessed to fights, chases, explosions and all out mayhem. The Hitman’s Bodyguard plays along the lines of general setups, but has a lot within its satire. For all the clichés, the main duo and dialogue provide a light of fun. For all its ups and downs, The Hitman’s Bodyguard is a thrilling action film that provides enough entertainment to create an average experience at the theater.
Premise: As the World’s best bodyguard gets a unique assignment, he must protect a hit man and get him to the International Court. Through all the thrills, the duo must find a way to survive their journey and stop and evil dictator.
Playing the two-main characters are:
Ryan Reynolds as Michael Bryce
Samuel L. Jackson as Darius Kincaid
These two provide the fun, thrilling and exciting banter that you come to expect in a buddy action film. From their interactions to their funny dialogue, these two provide the core strength of this story. No matter if its Reynolds’ stern, suave and blunt infusion within Michael Bryce or the loud mouth, curse filled, enthusiastic banter of Jackson’s Darius Kincaid, it is completely raw, original and laugh-out-loud funny. Their companionship is pure and grounded, providing a simplistic view of how opposite attract. Bryce is the bodyguard to Kincaid, who is a Hitman with vital information on a ruthless dictator that is on trial at The Hague. In their travels, you see how circumstance produces the wildly, unpredictable endeavors within their characterized dynamic. A layer of intrigue, bravado and pure acting; you see these two are having fun in their roles. Outside of the two, the rest of the cast is hit and miss. The bright spot in the supporting gallery is Salma Hayek as Sonia Kincaid. She provides that whimsical banter that is odd, unique and hilarious. Outside of her, the rest are the standard archetypes you find in any action film. From the typical sidekicks, villains, Government workers and henchmen, they all have only one purpose. The good thing is that a lot of the focus stays on the main two characters. This creates enough to see above the one note mantra of the rest of the cast.
The direction unfolds in a generic fashion. Mixing in the buddy action trope within a ‘time constraint’ plot device, you know what to expect. What you have is your standard setup of the main characters, the generic ‘evil dictator must be stop’ plot point, a ‘Macguffin’ plot device (Hitman’s testimony) and a ‘point A to B’ directive. Mixed in the journey is comical hijinks, car chases, over-the-top action and dramatic exposition. Everything you’ve seen in any action film is repeated in some form. What this causes is a lot of dry moments within the first two acts. What helps propel the film just above is the use of the ‘self-aware’ technique. With this technique, the director plays a satirical note by contrasting the main characters with the obviousness of their situation. Within these situations, you get to see a lot of witty banter that provides a wealth of enjoyment. With the relationship of Kincaid and Bryce being the focal point, you’re engrossed in their journey. Their interactions help propel you past the standard objectives, seeing how each situation becomes comedic. This creates thrilling moments and unpredictable reactions. In the journey, the main point is for them to get to the International Courts in The Hague or the dictator will be set free. Once you get into the third act, the film starts to unravel. With less focus on the two main characters and more on the commonality of the genre, it becomes mind numbing. Once the climax hits, the film comes back around and puts the focus back on the two main characters. The epilogue gives the general ‘wrap-up’ method, helping provide closure to all the loose ends that were presented in the beginning.
The cinematography are basic backdrops for any action film. With the focus on the two characters’ journey to The Hague, you get a simplistic view of the countryside and cities that incorporate Western Europe. Part of this journey are the variable uses of action devices (car chases, gun fights, hand-to-hand battles, explosions and ‘last minute’ escapes). Everything outside of the backdrop is visual noise. The score is unimpressive, providing nothing more than background flavor.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard is your average action film. Outside of the great chemistry between the two main characters and the witty banter, there isn’t anything thrilling. If you want to check this out (as a fan of action) check it out. I would recommend this as matinee as it is still fun to see on the big screen.