The Hitman’s Bodyguard
Bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds: Life) lost his cache, girlfriend and lifestyle after a client was murdered. From elite bodyguard he dropped to glorified, bitter babysitter.
His ex, Interpol agent Amelia (Elodie Yung: The Defenders), offers him a way back. But the high-profile client he’s to protect is infamous hitman Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson: Kong: Skull Island).
Bryce’s worst enemy, Kincaid has targeted not only his clients but also Bryce himself. Nevertheless, Bryce takes the assignment to restore his status, but Kincaid wants to do things his way.
What should be an easy transport becomes an impossible mission when a Belarusian hit squad is tasked to kill Kincaid before he can testify against a deposed dictator in The Hague. Between the flying bullets and the mounting tension, it’s a race to see who will kill Kincaid first — the hired goons or his protector.
Ridiculous, violent and vulgar, The Hitman’s Bodyguard is also a great popcorn flick for fans of 1980s’ action movies. The point is not plot; It’s more about zany antics and the chemistry between the leads. Director Patrick Hughes (The Expendables 3) doesn’t mind. He’s all for bloody action and jokes. The plot is both ludicrous and predictable, but the chemistry between Jackson and Reynolds is great.
Jackson’s performance is brilliant. Instead of his usual intense scary character, he shows off impressive comedic chops, drawing laughs with his fast-and-loose Kincaid as an affable hitman who calls Bryce out as uptight.
As Bryce, Reynolds is the straight man, providing sarcastic commentary while dealing with Jackson’s wild plans. As the two become closer, Reynolds conveys their tenuous bond.
If you enjoyed films like 48 Hours or Lethal Weapon, The Hitman’s Bodyguard is worth the ticket.
Good Action • R • 118 mins.
New this Week
All Saints
Michael Spurlock (John Corbett) was a salesman before becoming a pastor. Assigned to shut down a country church and sell the land, he develops a counterplan: Use the church as a welcome center for Southeast Asian refugees.
Based on a true story, All Saints is a faith-based film that seeks to inspire.
Prospects: Flickering • PG • 108 mins.
Birth of the Dragon
When kung fu master Wong Jack Man (Yu Xia) challenged young Bruce Lee (Philip Ng) both men became legends in martial arts history.
Shot in the style of a 1960s’ Bruce Lee movie, this one will please fans of the kung fu genre.
Prospects: Bright • PG-13 • 91 mins.
Leap!
Orphan Félicie (Elle Fanning) dreams of dancing in Paris and flees to the City of Lights with best friend Victor (Nat Wolff).
Félicie pretends she’s the daughter of a wealthy family to join the Opera Ballet School in Paris, where she must fight for her spot against girls who will do anything to eliminate competition.
This animated musical romp is made for kids, not their parents.
Prospects: Flickering • PG • 89 mins