Review of Bullet to the Head (2012) by Stuart K — 07 Feb 2013

Directed by Walter Hill, this is his first film for the big screen since Undisputed (2002), this legendary director was burnt out after what happened on Supernova (2000), but then he was offered this adaptation of the French graphic novel Du Plomb Dans La Tete by Alexis Nolent, and it's a triumphant comeback for Hill, further aided by the presence of a great action star, who is perfect for a film like this.

Set in New Orleans, professional assassin Jimmy Bobo (Sylvester Stallone) is hunting for the man who killed his partner Louis Blanchard (Jon Seda), that man is Keegan (Jason Momoa), who was sent by Robert Morel (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) to avenge the death of corrupt cop Hank Greely (Holt McCallany), who Bobo and Blanchard saw to.

Detective Taylor Kwon (Sung Kang) arrives in New Orleans to investigate Greely's death, and it leads him to Bobo, but they're targeted by Morel's men, who want to silence Kwon. But, Bobo is about to go on the offensive, but Kwon wants to do it by the book, then Keegan goes for Bobo's daughter Lisa (Sarah Shahi).

This is a very silly action film, and it harks back to what was made in the 1980's, but it's great to see this kind of film being made now. Sly makes a great world-weary hero, whose way of dealing with trouble is the best way, even New Orleans itself is a character in the film.

Welcome back, Mr. Hill.