The Hitman's Bodyguard Review

"I can assure you, we are more than prepared for any assault!"


The Hitman's Bodyguard was directed by Patrick Hughes and stars the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Elodie Yung and Gary Oldman. The film follows Deadpool as he is hired to keep Nick Fury safe to give evidence at a trail (hang on that's not right is it?). The film actually follows the world's top bodyguard (Reynolds) as he has to protect a new client who happens to be a hit man (Jackson) who must testify at the International Courts of Justice. What can go wrong??

This film has got to be one of the funniest comedies of the summer, not only do we get Reynolds sarcastic wit and comedic timing we also get the one and only Samuel L. Jackson, who of course has all the best lines in the film (well of course he does he is Samuel L. Jackson after all!) and truly is a great comedic actor. One of the standout elements about this film is the core relationship between Ryan Reynolds (Michael Bryce) and Samuel L. Jacksons (Darius Kincaid). Both actors work extremely well together and there is not a moment in the film where by the two characters are throwing insults or sarcastic comments back and forth between each other, which is extremely funny to watch (it really is!). The film of course brings lots of action set pieces as Bryce (Reynolds) has to get Kincaid (Jackson) to the International Court of Justice whilst being chased by thugs hired by Gary Oldmans character. Whilst the action set pieces come quickly after each other and are relentless in trying to thrill the audience members, they certainly do deliver, and whilst some sequences tend to drag (like any action sequence), the filmmakers keep it fresh by changing the location of the set pieces from car chases through city centres to boat changes through the canals in Amsterdam to hand to hand combat in a DIY shop. These action set pieces are exciting and combined with Reynolds and Jackson's comedic timing really deliver on the big screen.

The Hitman's Bodyguard is certainly the Reynolds and Jackson show and whilst they steel every scene they are in, it also means that they overshadow any of the supporting cast of the film (they really do!), with a film with a lot of moving parts it would of been nice to have a bit more development from other key players in the film, just to truly give a balanced variety between all the main characters that affect the narrative within the film. I also thought that whilst Gary Oldman gave a good performance as the war criminal and dictator on trail at the International Court of Justice, I personally would of preferred just a couple more fleshed out sequences just to develop the character to feel like a real threat towards Bryce and Kincaid, rather than just the man who gives orders from the shadows. I also thought some of the imagery was a bit off in some places, either with shots slightly soft of focus or even a bit flat in places whilst during dialogue sequences (that might just be me, but it certainly through me off in some places), but seemed back to normal during the films many action sequences during the film.

Overall if you want a good comedy action film to watch over the summer then this is definitely the film for you. Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson are truly amazing in the film and bring some really funny comedic moments that will make you laugh even after the film has finished. This film is definitely a highlight of the summer releases for this year.

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars