Review of The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) by Dominick%20 S — 20 Aug 2017

Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L Jackson are both great in this movie, basically playing amped up versions of their real life personas. However even these two with their natural chemistry can help this bogged down messy piece. Very few action comedies work completely and this is another in that list. Despite some good performances and great action scenes, there isn't enough comedy for this film to fall back on. The action scenes feel like there is no stake either, which leaves the film dragging along a little by the time the third act comes.

The basic plot of the film could have been ripped out of any 80's/90's buddy cop film. The villain of the piece is underplayed by Gary Oldman, and when Samuel L Jackson's character, a former hitman serving time in prison is asked to be a witness it comes down to Ryan Reynolds "Bodyguard" to help SLJ get to the court on time.

Although there a few funny scenes (flashbacks to Salma Hayek's character particularly entertaining) there is very little that produces large laughs throughout. If you're a fan of old fashioned buddy cop movies that bring little new to the table, then maybe this is the film for you.