The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard – Movie Reviews by Ry!
The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard – Targets so Ordinary: A Sequel Guard-less
In film, there are many ways to experience fun. From dramatic journeys, deep character narratives to a bombastic action/thriller, the possibilities are endless. Within that creative freedom, the aspect of the escape is in the eye of the beholder. In this review, I look at a sequel that creates this kind of experience that is full of fun and folly. This film provides the wits of characters against a familiar plot. The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is a strong example of an ensemble piece trapped within a comedy of errors.
Coming together through dysfunction, Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) and his wife, Sonia (Salma Hayek) must again work together to stop a terrible threat to the world. This film plays upon two fronts: being a continuation while standing on its own action/comedy hijinks. Playing a twofold approach, the filmmakers use a foundation of a basic spy/action outline to build upon familiarities of the original. In the beginning, you are reintroduced to Michael Bryce. He is struggling in the aftermath of losing his triple AAA bodyguard license. Through some common comedic tropes and action sequences, he crosses paths with Darius and Sonia Kincaid. Their reconnection leads to some unwanted consequences, forcing them into working for Interpol to stop a madman from crippling Europe’s infrastructure. From this point, the story devolves into the typical ‘Villain taking over the world’ scenario. The lethargic nature of development becomes obvious (terrible side-characters, predictable villain, and hero’s tale journey), but what makes the film watchable is the relationship between Bryce and the Kincaids. This trio’s has strong chemistry, created through their acting charisma within the blunt and slapstick humor. The dynamic provides a satirical lens aimed at their caricatures and novelty of the genre. Through them, it is an eventful experience that leads to some exciting moments of action, drama, and awkward suspense.
As they continue to unravel the mysteries into the villain’s purpose, the level of grandeur is complemented by the satirical nature of conversation. Even with one-dimensional ancillary characters, the main trio provides that ‘about-face’ approach that calls out the obvious within generalities. There are highs and lows within this comedic approach, but it creates a through line for strong character moments (against the thinly threaded main plot). Once we get into the final act, there are some unexpected twists that convolute the experience, but eventually it comes back around to the strong point of the relationship between the main three. This leads to a common ‘hero’s triumph’ climax and a familiar wrap up epilogue. The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is your typical action/comedy sequel. There are strong character moments, but nothing you have not seen before. If you’re a fan of the original or like action/comedies, you will have fun with this. Good to see at the theater at the right price.
Full Score – 3 out of 5 (Theater Discount)