About the film (courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment):
Brad Pitt stars as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives—on the world’s fastest train. The end of the line is just the beginning in this non-stop thrill-ride through modern-day Japan.
I swear, if someone doesn’t use the phrase, “Number One with a Bullet” by the end of this opening weekend when relaying the inevitable news that Bullet Train is tops in the box office this weekend, I will be severely disappointed. Of course, not as disappointed as I was in Sony’s marketing strategy to openly promote one actor’s involvement with the Brad Pitt-led action thriller.
Not giving away spoilers by any means since this unnamed (in my review) actor is seen several times in the film’s second trailer and several other promos running wild right now. Understanding marketing and all, I still feel as though this was a slightly missed opportunity to hold back a little more. That being said, the premature reveal does not derail the cinematic fun of this wild ride!
David Leitch, director of Deadpool 2 (2018), helms the film based on the Japanese novel by Kôtarô Isaka. Leitch’s style is evident from the start. Sensationalized violent action sequences (aka fun gore), comedic moments splattered about everywhere (not unlike the blood you’ll see throughout) and a very engaging storyline that displays that this is not just a singular forward-moving entity (you know…like a train). Bullet Train blows right through the stops of feasibility as it goes full speed ahead towards the “are you f*cking kidding me?!” terminal. I don’t mean any of this in a bad way, quite the opposite, in fact.
Rich characters are often an imperative part to any potentially successful movie. Bullet Train does its very best to lock down this trend. Those responsible for casting, both large and seemingly minor roles, did a solid job on this roster. Starting with the headliner, Brad Pitt, who gives his all in the name of first class entertainment. His character not only fights many adversaries, he also fights with his own personal demons as he attempts to become a more enlightened individual.
Pitt’s performance alone is entertainment enough to carry interest and curiosity from scene to scene. Then there’s the host of other colorful characters that are brought to life for your cinematic consumption. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Joey King and Benito A Martínez Ocasio aka Bad Bunny are but a few of the cogs in this machine that churns and turns from beginning to end.
As I rode this crazy train of adrenaline-fueled chaos, I began to truly appreciate Bullet Train for the over-the-top entertaining endeavor that it is. Everything seemingly has a purpose in the 126 minute trip from the beginning until the very end. Sometimes you just have to wait a little longer for the dots to be connected. Unfortunately, if you excuse yourself to hit the facilities or concessions, there’s a decent chance you’ll miss something integral to the overall story. So pick your moments carefully and hope for the best.
While Bullet Train may be too far-fetched, silly or violent for some, those are the reasons that I found this to be a trip worth taking. David Leitch serves as a conductor that is in complete control of your entertainment life for two hours and will have been taken for a wild ride and treated to all kinds of sights along your journey. It’s like one of those Russian nesting dolls that keeps giving you more and more surprises.
Secure your passage to an exotic and exciting destination by purchasing your tickets and getting out to see this one before surprises are spoiled by those less considerate than myself. You can see Bullet Train in theaters starting this afternoon and ahead of its official release on Friday, August 5. Summer cinema is still going strong.
