THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD

GREAT TEAMING OF REYNOLDS, JACKSON 

Film Review by Fiore 

I must admit I love these films.  Back in Hollywood’s Golden Era they were known as “buddy films”.  Two guys experiencing wild escapades, usually in comedic fashion.  Nowadays, the buddy films are more action oriented and ribald, therefore the pairing of Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson in THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD , helps make it one of the funnier films of the year.

THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD is chock full of quirky one-liners, double entendres and slapstick, all enveloped in impossible action sequences.  The stunts make most of today’s action stars’ endeavors pale in comparison.  Credit Greg Powell for the sequences which are so over the top, they are funny, despite the destruction.

Reynolds is Michael Bryce, a professional bodyguard with a AAA rating, until one of his assignments goes terribly wrong.  The embarrassment causes him his AAA rating, and destroys his relationship with Amelia Roussel, played by Elodie Yung.  Now providing protection for second-rate drug dealers, Michael is shocked when Amelia calls him, seeking his help in transporting an assassin to a key trial in Amsterdam. 

Reluctantly, Michael takes the job, only to find he is transporting his arch nemesis Darius Kincaid (Jackson), who has previously attempted to kill Michael 28 times previously. Darius can provide damaging evidence in the international trial of Vladislav Dukhovich, played by Gary Oldman, who is charged with genocide.  Dukhovich can be ousted, if Darius and Michael don’t kill each other first attempting to get him to court.

Salma Hayek, who holds a special place in my heart, though I doubt she knows it, has a cameo appearance as Darius’ wife, Sonia, which is so out of character, it’s actually one of the funnier roles.

1.1        KEY SCENES TO LOOK FOR:

1.      THE MEETING

2.      THE CAR RIDE

THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD would play a bit better if it were a tad shorter, but Editor Jake Roberts would be hard pressed to cut much of the film in its current context.  It moves well, and the comedy is enough to fight off restlessness.

Let’s take a look at the report card for THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD:

1.2   ACTING = B

1.3   CINEMATOGRAPHY = B

1.4   SOUND/MUSIC = B

1.5   EDITING = B

1.6   LIGHTING = B

1.7   SCRIPT = B

1.8   SFX = B

1.9   ACTION = A

Excellent chemistry between Jackson and Reynolds, impossible stunts and unrealistic action make THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD a lot of fun.  The film is rated R, and for good reason.  Exercise good parenting, and leave the kiddies at home.  This is a great, adult night out.

REWATCHABLE INDEX:  EXCELLENT