Review of The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) by Jason R — 05 Dec 2017

Let's face it; this movie exists because the idea of hilarious banter between Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson in an R-rated scenario is potentially comic gold. And in that regard, this film absolutely delivers.

The chemistry between the two leads is everything you could hope for; it's as though Jules Winfield and Deadpool decided to star in an anti-hero buddy comedy. The comic book connections make it as though Deadpool has broken up with Elektra, and is protecting Nick Fury from Commissioner Gordon. On that level, it is even more humorous.

The plot isn't anything spectacular, and could have been out of any standard action film from the last thirty years. That's not a problem, but it is a missed opportunity. You don't put these guys together all the time, and some greater originality in the story would have gone a long way to making it a better experience overall.

Salma Hayek and Elodie Yung are easy to overlook in a movie like this, but doing so would be missing out on the elements they both bring to their interactions with the male characters. Nothing will surprise you about their roles, but they do their work with gusto and humor that benefits the story.

It's a lot of fun, good for numerous laughs, and the kind of movie that would fit right in on a mid-afternoon HBO schedule.