Short reviews for clear and concise verdicts on a broad range of films…

The Hitman’s Bodyguard (Dir. Patrick Hughes / 2017 )

The Hitman’s Bodyguard, despite containing alternative professions for policemen, is a buddy-cop comedy in modern form. Showcasing two high-profile stars in a formulaic structure that’s primarily about their relationship more than the story itself is something that sells. Ryan Reynolds, as an expert bodyguard discredited by the death of a client two years prior, in tandem with Samuel L Jackson, as laidback hitman Kincaid, are fun to be around. But, sadly, their smart-alecky remarks and comedic banter is taken down a peg by The Hitman’s Bodyguard‘s unnecessary runtime. Ultimately, it has no problem revealing its functional plot including plenty of space for ridiculous action and high jinks. These uncreative elements can be ignored, as the likeable presence of Jackson (smiling more than ever in contrast to his sterner roles as Nick Fury and Mr Glass) and Reynolds (a less intense smarty-pants akin to Deadpool) holds the film together. But when you could cut thirty minutes from the film and improve it, it is clear that the strength of the two has been relied on too heavily by the filmmakers. Salma Hayek, as Kincaid’s wife Sonia, is foul-mouthed and furious but wasted while Gary Oldman, as Russian villain Dukhovich, in an absolute travesty. The villain from Leon is tragically reduced to this well-known archetype. The Hitman’s Bodyguard touches on the “strong, silent type” conflict, as Reynolds struggles to reflect on his emotionally stunted attitude but nothing more is explored making the film a long disposable, flippant yarn with few light-hearted chuckles.

Rating: 2/5