We’re well into the dog days of summer and where August releases are concerned, this usually isn’t a good place to be. Studios typically slate their movies that they don’t think will stand a chance against the bigger (and often better) blockbusters into the final month of summer. All they can hope for is for the right mix of hazy euphoria to take over and make their dark horse a contender. With a pair of thoroughbreds like Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson in your stable, even a long shot such as The Hitman’s Bodyguard has as good of a chance as any to heat things up before fall flexes it’s muscles. Summer fun is where it’s at, but does that fun come in the form of a pair of foul-mouthed A-listers?
Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) was once exactly where he wanted to be in life. He had the world by the balls. Michael had become THE go-to choice for personal protection when someone feared for their life. He also had a beautiful woman by his side and more money than he knew what do with. In an instant, he loses everything as his life turns upside down. Now Michael scrapes the bottom of the barrel in hopes of finding someone who will pay for his services. Beggars can’t be choosers when you’ve hit a low point of your life. For that reason, Michael reluctantly comes to the aid of his ex in dealing with a life or death predicament. Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) is a gun for hire that is serving a lengthy sentence for being so good at his profession. Michael must escort Darius, who just happens to be the star witness, give damning testimony against modern day dictator, Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman). There is no clear path to redemption in this action comedy.
Knowing ahead of time that Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson are headlining The Hitman’s Bodyguard which also happens to be rated R, one would assume that there would be lots of cursing and lots of blood. Well those assumptions are 100% accurate. The strong language flag has been hoisted sky high and is visible for miles. The dialogue in this film could make a sailor blush. The pair play well off of one another even though just about everything is exaggerated and over the top. Salma Hayek also embraced her part of this story as she also gets to let loose a few times with her words. Those are the only semi strong performances to mention. Gary Oldman, Joaquim de Almeida and Elodie Yung are just along for the ride.
The comedy is ever-present but it gets old, predictable and repetitive not too far along in the movie, leaving a sad taste of complacency on the tongue while consuming this feature. The action was average but at least it kept the story going. Not that anyone is expecting a high degree of believability but c’mon, try why don’t you? It makes me sad to admit that Samuel L. Jackson needs to hang up his balls to the wall 24/7 action pants. Ryan Reynolds does a nice juggling act of emotions throughout and is arguably the better actor. The best performance was turned in by Salma Hayek as she was just all over the place and you have no idea what’s going to come out of her mouth next.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard absolutely has the feel of a movie with foreign influence behind it. Drive fast, blow things up, keep raising the body count. That’s the mindset of those who directed (Patrick Hughes) and wrote (Tom O’Connor) this. Keep in mind that this movie is released in a window where expectations should be left at home by the television remote. You’ve got middle of the road acting, slightly above average comedy and more of a “meh” action experience. That all adds up to a movie that’ll be lucky to take third pace. Don’t expect to be blown away and maybe, just maybe you won’t think this one just blows. Now playing in a theater near you.
