![]() It becomes obvious early on that this screenplay is focusing more on the jokes than the story, which becomes very silly very quick during action sequences, namely a chase with a fake-looking speedboat.Įven so, these action set pieces would be passable diversions in an escapist genre, except for the fact that they’re surrounded by larger missed opportunities by the writer. While the delicious dialogue likely blends improvised banter with zingers by screenwriter Tom O’Connor (“Fire with Fire”), the plot sadly doesn’t elevate to the same level. We also get Jackson’s trademark spiritual moralizing, evoking his “shepherd” speech at the end of “Pulp Fiction” (1994) about “the tyranny of evil men.” In “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” he insists that his deadly assassin job is paved with good intentions by only killing sinister folks, pondering a similar question: “Who’s worse? He who kills evil men, or he who protects them?” Nonsense! It’s Jackson’s glorious place in movie history. At one point, Reynolds actually quips, “This guy single-handedly ruined the word ‘mother****er,'” a sentiment some critics might hold. ![]() Thus, devoted believers in The Church of Jackson & Reynolds will eat up their banter and physical gags from start to finish, roaring each time Jackson spits a well-timed F-bomb. To steal from “My Fair Lady” (1964), they kick up a rumpus and lose the compass, but they get to the court on time.īoth Jackson and Reynolds have built up cults of personality from loyal fans in recent years, transitioning from more serious beginnings - Jackson in “A Time to Kill” (1996), Reynolds in “Safe House” (2012) - to find second-act career resurgences in over-the-top, self-aware niches - Jackson in “Snakes on a Plane” (2006) and Reynolds in “Deadpool” (2016). Thus, the duo must learn to work together en route to their trial date. Jackson), who’s slated to testify at the International Court of Justice in The Hague during the trial of European dictator Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman). One day, he gets a new client in hit man Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. The story follows world-renowned bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), who’s down on his luck after the assassination of a Japanese dignitary. What’s left is a flick that shines on an escapist level but little else. That’s the recurring phrase in this action-comedy, a juicy buddy flick that’s surprisingly funny on a gut level, but one where the plot is so clearly lazy that responsible critics will instantly downgrade the experience. Moral of the story: choose your audience wisely otherwise, it’s awkward as a “motherf***er.” ![]() That’s sadly what happened during “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” as Debbie Downer to my left and Party Pooper to my right didn’t laugh once - despite the rest of the crowd howling. If you’re beside humorless strangers, it hampers the experience. If you’re flocked by friends, you’ll crack up. WASHINGTON - Enjoying a comedy depends on the folks around you. WTOP's Jason Fraley reviews 'The Hitman's Bodyguard' ( Jason Fraley)
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