Read Mixed User Reviews for The Hitman's Bodyguard

4

NightReviewsSep 26, 2017

Motherf*cker!

If there is one actor who has single-handedly perfected the execution, nuance and delivery of the word motherf*cker, there is only one name people really need to think about, and you can bet your bottom-dollar it is none otherMotherf*cker!

If there is one actor who has single-handedly perfected the execution, nuance and delivery of the word motherf*cker, there is only one name people really need to think about, and you can bet your bottom-dollar it is none other than the always entertaining and widely available (I mean the guy is in everything, someone give his agent an Academy Award already) Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson, who has close to two-hundred acting credits to his name, can basically pull off anything; action, adventure, drama, comedy and of course, well…as I mentioned, anything. This time around, Jackson decides to pull of working next to a post-Deadpool Ryan Reynolds, and thankfully, given the absolutely hysterical and effortless chemistry between the two, allows The Hitman’s Bodyguard to be an easy to swallow throwback action comedy duo film.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard is a very campy yet guilt-ridden entertaining action comedy film that pays homage to so many films and instances of the nineteen-ninteis. Right out of the gates, in the film’s first theatrical trailer, it begins and ends with the extremely famous and recognizable motion picture soundtrack hit “I Will Always Love You”, which belongs to, and still is, one of the most purchased movie soundtracks of all-time. In addition to stealing The Bodygaurd’s music, the first theatrical poster for the film is a very direct spoof to the theatrical poster as well, therefore cementing its nostalgic feel, even before watching it. Playing out action, comedy, romance and [somewhat] drama much like the early Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme actioners that once made these names household names, two of the best one-line giving A-list actors team up to give us the last fun-filled summer movie of 2017, and just in the nick of time, before all of big serious film festivals and Oscar hopeful award films.

While the premise of The Hitman’s Bodyguard is nothing to marvel at, just the idea of Ryan Reynold’s Michael Bryce, a straight-laced, by the numbers and mathematical AAA rated executive protection agent guarding Jackson’s world renown assassin; a foul-mouth and reckless Darius Kincaid, had me hooked immediately. I mean, come on! These are two actors with such expansive filmography’s that, we all know both are at liberty to add so much of their own personal comedy and selves into roles that are, essentially, caricatures of all the great and painfully pleasing characters of our childhoods. Plus, the direct comparison of Reynold’s Bryce to his recent discovery of bad-ass, fourth wall-breaking anti-heroes, is just a fun pace for the actor.

Joining in the fun, is the always transparent Gary Oldman, who can play every bad guy in film, from now until its eventual extinction. Playing a ruthless Eastern European dictator, who must do anything and everything to destroying Kincaid, before he is able to testify him in the court of law, adds to the nineties nostalgia and camp in ways that only Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Sschwarzenegger could understand. Additionally, the film was also able to nab the always cunning Richard E. Grant; the kick-ass young Elodie Yung, and not to mention, the scene-stealing Salma Hayek, who plays the fouled mouth, violent and enraged Sonia Kincaid.

While this is one film in 2017 where everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, seemed to have fun making, this is a film that radiates a good-time. Sure, the editing isn’t seemingless, the foreshadowing may be all-too obvious, the action is rushed and jumbled up into very incoherent forays, but The Hitman’s Bodyguard is very aware of the film it is, and what it wants to be and what it wants the audience to get from it; which is, good-ol’ popcorn fun.

One of the strengths of The Hitman’s Bodyguard is the time it takes with comedy; incorporating music, song, and somewhat choreographed sing-alongs, including the one-hit wonder “I Saw the Sign” into the film, Bodyguard is able to deviate away from the action timing and saturated placement of explosions, car chases and bar brawls that, at times, feel forced.

While the summer 2017 was anything less than impressive, this film will surely not be the one to injected some much needed life into the box-office. Don’t let this fool you though, the end of August marks the end of the summer movie season, and although everyone knows that the end of August films are more of a dumping ground to recoup budgets and fulfill studio contracts, The Hitman’s Bodyguard doesn’t look to face much competitive until the first week of September, where I am sure will be faced with horrifying results, once Pennywise and the new remake of It is released.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

Voodoo123Nov 14, 2017

+Well choreographed action sequences
+Cast deliver great performances
+Chuckle worthy moments -By the numbers plot -CGI effects stand out in some moments -Nothing cerebral to chew on Leave your brain at the door and enjoy this chuckleworthy+Well choreographed action sequences
+Cast deliver great performances
+Chuckle worthy moments
-By the numbers plot
-CGI effects stand out in some moments
-Nothing cerebral to chew on

Leave your brain at the door and enjoy this chuckleworthy 'buddy' action film...… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

Rebecca31Aug 21, 2017

The Hitman’s Bodyguard thinks it’s hilarious. It really believes it will have you in stitches and let me tell you this is far from true. I’m not saying I didn’t laugh but only a couple of laughs in a two hour comedy simply doesn’t cut it.The Hitman’s Bodyguard thinks it’s hilarious. It really believes it will have you in stitches and let me tell you this is far from true. I’m not saying I didn’t laugh but only a couple of laughs in a two hour comedy simply doesn’t cut it. Ryan and Samuel bickering in the car, Ryan and Samuel bickering during a shootout, Ryan and Samuel bickering during another shootout but this time with speedboats and motorcycles. It’s Ryan Reynolds doing his thing and Samuel L. Jackson doing his thing. Throw in a stereotypical bad guy played by Gary Oldman and voilà. You’re left with everything you’ve seen before only worse. It really is amazing to see an action movie fail at the one thing it’s expected to deliver…the action. It fails because at no point are these characters in any danger, it handles violence in the same way as a cartoon only without the humour. Not only that but any attempt at comedy is let down by the trailers. When you’ve seen Ryan Reynolds being thrown out a car windshield for the past few weeks leading up to the film’s release then it has well and truly lost any impact it hoped to achieve. Boring, bland and unengaging. If you want an over the top action movie you’d be better off watching Face Off, it’s twice as ridiculous and thoroughly entertaining. Not recommended unless you really are starved for this week’s popcorn flick. In that case enter at your own risk.… Expand

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5

sandbornSep 6, 2017

Enjoyable and tedious at times. There was so much action in this movie, I was actually getting bored. I like car chases, fist fights, and explosions as much as the next person, but the action was taking up too much time. And the dialogue wasEnjoyable and tedious at times. There was so much action in this movie, I was actually getting bored. I like car chases, fist fights, and explosions as much as the next person, but the action was taking up too much time. And the dialogue was just as over the top as well. Barely a full sentence was spoken without a curse word. I like the cast, Reynolds and Jackson have good chemistry with each other and everybody else. And there are some good scenes which save this movie from a negative review. Take it for what it is: an action-comedy with a bizarre plot riddled with explosions and cliches.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

JyroJyroOct 2, 2017

Hilariously silly plot, hilariously bad script. Fortunately, the talent of Jackson & Reynolds is fully utilised with their snappy relationship/consistent clash of personalities.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

SilentTacticianSep 1, 2017

I was content with this movie overall. A decent plot, well-scripted interactions between all of the characters, and good action. However, I didn't find this movie impactful and it definitely wasn't one of the best movies I have seen in 2017.I was content with this movie overall. A decent plot, well-scripted interactions between all of the characters, and good action. However, I didn't find this movie impactful and it definitely wasn't one of the best movies I have seen in 2017. The interactions between Reynolds and Jackson we funny and enjoyable but I felt that each relied too much on there stereotypical, typecast character roles. I would have enjoyed newer from both of them. Overall, it was OK.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

IttiacesAug 24, 2017

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie considering the poor reviews it's been getting. OK so it's definitely not a masterpiece and the best thing about it by far are it's stars, Reynolds and Jackson. The story is prettyI was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie considering the poor reviews it's been getting. OK so it's definitely not a masterpiece and the best thing about it by far are it's stars, Reynolds and Jackson. The story is pretty flat but these guys manage to keep it entertaining throughout. As an unlikely duo, in my opinion, they actually played off each other very well. Salma Hayek has a superb cameo and I would loved to have seen more of her, she was hilarious! Gary Oldman showed up and just blew everyone else off the screen as you'd expect from such a veteran. As for the negatives, aside from the paper thin plot, some of the cast disappointed. Elodie Yung as Ryan's love interest was incredibly wooden and obviously so next to the much more experienced leads. Her character was meant to be a tough FBI agent and she did not manage to portray that at all. Honestly, I feel the blame lies more with miscasting than anything else. There were some action scenes towards the end of the film where the audio soundtrack was completely out of balance with the sound fx. It jarred so much it utterly distracted me and I've never made that complaint before.

Overall, I'd recommended this movie if you're a Reynolds or Jackson fan or if you want some good laughs without having to turn your brain on for a bit. Don't get too taken in by the blah reviews, I found it pretty entertaining, lighthearted and definitely worth a look.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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5

BrianMcCriticNov 21, 2017

An action comedy that fails to engage you in most ways. First the story is hard to follow and at points you just don't care. Reynolds and Jackson are both fine though the script holds them back. Not terrible but just a mediocre movie. C

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

NeoReaperAug 29, 2017

Was it good? No. Was it entertaining? Yes. .

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

EpicLadySpongeAug 18, 2017

Despite its lack of creativity and overload of clichés, the movie does hold up a huge amount of laughter only for half of those laughs to be only once and just once. They took two favorable actors and the rest of the cast, who are forgettableDespite its lack of creativity and overload of clichés, the movie does hold up a huge amount of laughter only for half of those laughs to be only once and just once. They took two favorable actors and the rest of the cast, who are forgettable for like half of the movie, into a movie where they must bring entertainment to the modern industry without looking back to what made these guys favorable in the first place. The Hitman's Bodyguard definitely is worth watching if you can avoid the overload of clichés otherwise you'll have to wait for the next movie featuring Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson together, which, unfortunately for you, won't be here until they can communicate with each other for another movie.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

TVJerryAug 25, 2017

Ryan Reynolds plays a bodyguard assigned to protect hitman Samuel L. Jackson, who's the chief witness against in an international trial. Their trip to the Hague alternates between some pretty cool car chases (especially the one thruRyan Reynolds plays a bodyguard assigned to protect hitman Samuel L. Jackson, who's the chief witness against in an international trial. Their trip to the Hague alternates between some pretty cool car chases (especially the one thru Amsterdam's canals), a few highly active but not special fights and too much talk. The interplay takes advantage of each actor's style: self-depreciating, offhand wry comments from Reynolds and profanity-laden, raucous attitude from Jackson. To make this work, the chemistry needs to be there…it's OK. Without their special delivery, the terse chatter would fall flat. Meanwhile, the bodyguard's relationship with his ex is trite and dull. Still, there's sufficient energy and a fun attitude that makes it passable, but quickly-forgotten summer action fluff.… Expand

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6

marcmyworksSep 2, 2017

As good as Ryan Reynolds is at playing Ryan Reynolds and as great as Sam L Jackson is at playing Sam L they really couldn't save this hodge podge of a film. The tone was very uneven and the story not that great or compelling, butAs good as Ryan Reynolds is at playing Ryan Reynolds and as great as Sam L Jackson is at playing Sam L they really couldn't save this hodge podge of a film. The tone was very uneven and the story not that great or compelling, but Hesus-love-them for trying.… Expand

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6

eagleeyevikingAug 31, 2017

The Hitman’s Bodyguard doles out enough spades of entertainment thanks to the magnetic chemistry of Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds. Nothing to write home about, but what do you expect from this type of film? Just sit back, switch offThe Hitman’s Bodyguard doles out enough spades of entertainment thanks to the magnetic chemistry of Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds. Nothing to write home about, but what do you expect from this type of film? Just sit back, switch off your brains, and munch your popcorn to the action and hilarious bickering between the stars.… Expand

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4

MrMovieBuffAug 18, 2017

A rather disappointing comedy featuring some talented actors. Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and a wasted Gary Oldman do not live up to their full potential in 'The Hitman's Bodyguard', a generic action comedy with a somewhat predictableA rather disappointing comedy featuring some talented actors. Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and a wasted Gary Oldman do not live up to their full potential in 'The Hitman's Bodyguard', a generic action comedy with a somewhat predictable story and no unique or memorable characters. The movie sees Reynolds play a once experienced protection agent given a task to protect his enemy (Samuel L. Jackson), as he is on the run from Dukhovich's (Gary Oldman) men. They decide to go to London and hide-out there, until the main villain's men manage to track them down and things get deadly and violent. The film has some strange and quick editing that make the action scenes hard to follow. Also, the humor in the film isn't very funny, which is underwhelming considering how funny Reynolds and Jackson usually are. This film tries to be like 'Rush Hour' (1998), but doesn't stand out as much as that. There is no uniqueness or surprises to keep this film afloat. Overall, it's disappointing and forgettable.… Expand

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6

KaptenVideoAug 19, 2017

Bodyguard (Ryan Reynolds) teams up with a hit man (Samuel L. Jackson) who must testify against the dictator of Belarus (Gary Oldman). The two have to put their differences aside to make it to court on time. Also appearing: Salma Hayek, ElodieBodyguard (Ryan Reynolds) teams up with a hit man (Samuel L. Jackson) who must testify against the dictator of Belarus (Gary Oldman). The two have to put their differences aside to make it to court on time. Also appearing: Salma Hayek, Elodie Yung, Richard E. Grant et al.
It’s a fine mainstream action comedy about two loved movie stars arguing, cursing, and eliminating lots of big men armed with big guns.
Theres a ton of shooting, fighting, car chases (also a motorboat chase), explosions, and a half-amusing appearance by Salma Hayek who also curses a lot.
The characters and story are as generic as they can come, the main aim to emulate the exciting mix of humor and violence that worked so well for „Deadpool“ – 2016’s comic superhero movie starring Reynolds, bringing 783 million dollars from cinemas.
"Deadpool's" mix works well here too. The only problem is the big amount of secondary filler material.
You could easily remove most of the stuff concerning dictator and bodyguard’s former girlfriend, and the result wouldn’t be worse in any way. It would be even better, probably, because the 118 minute running length is a bit much.
Why does almost every summer movie need to be close to two hours long these days?
Still, action scenes are good and adrenaline-filled, and Jackson and Reynolds are enjoyable as always.
Jackson turns 69 this December, by the way. How come he's still so cool and able to star in action movies? Not a geriatric bone in his body, it seems.… Expand

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6

FrenziedPandaH2Sep 6, 2017

Great cast, simple contained movie... Hot and got summer movie though, it isnt very hard to picture what is going to happen next, but we still laugh hard to some of the scenes

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

Texansfan2013Sep 28, 2017

The Hitman's Bodyguard is a wild ride, with tons of action. The film skips a beat with bad character development and balance. Even the stellar cast can't save the film from other mistakes.