Directed by Patrick Hughes, The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017) is a high-octane, laugh-out-loud action-comedy that pairs Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson in a buddy-cop bromance for the ages. With explosive stunts, razor-sharp banter, and a gleeful disregard for subtlety, this crowd-pleaser delivers pure, unfiltered fun. Anchored by its charismatic leads and a game supporting cast, it’s a bullet-riddled joyride that still hits the mark years later. Buckle up for a wild ride!
The Story: An Unlikely Duo Against All Odds
Ryan Reynolds stars as Michael Bryce, a disgraced elite bodyguard tasked with protecting Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), a notorious hitman and his sworn enemy. Kincaid’s testimony could bring down a brutal dictator, Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman), but assassins are everywhere, and trust is in short supply. From London to Amsterdam, the duo dodges bullets, brawls, and each other’s egos, forging an uneasy alliance amidst car chases and chaos. It’s a simple setup executed with maximum swagger and hilarity.
The Stars: Reynolds and Jackson Are Comedy Gold
Reynolds is pitch-perfect as Bryce, channeling his Deadpool-esque snark with a frazzled, straight-man edge. His quick-witted jabs and exasperated chemistry with Jackson are the film’s heartbeat. Samuel L. Jackson, as Kincaid, is a force of nature—cool, foul-mouthed, and endlessly charismatic, tossing out “motherfucker” with gleeful precision. Their bickering feels like a masterclass in buddy-comedy timing. Gary Oldman snarls effectively as the villain, while Salma Hayek steals scenes as Kincaid’s fiery wife, Sonia. The cast’s energy makes every moment pop.
The Craft: Flashy, Fast, and Furious
Hughes directs with a bold, kinetic flair, blending slick action with vibrant locales—think Amsterdam canals exploding with speedboat chases and London streets lit up by gunfire. The stunt work is top-notch, from barroom brawls to a jaw-dropping highway pursuit. Cinematographer Jules O’Loughlin captures the chaos with vivid color, while John Ottman’s upbeat score, paired with a killer soundtrack (from Lionel Richie to DMX), keeps the vibe electric. Some CGI wobbles aside, the film’s polished chaos delivers non-stop thrills.
Why It Slaps
The Hitman’s Bodyguard is a masterclass in fun, balancing gut-busting humor with heart-pounding action. Reynolds and Jackson’s chemistry is pure dynamite, turning every insult and bullet into comedy gold. The film knows exactly what it is—a popcorn flick with zero pretensions—and leans into its strengths: wild set pieces, quotable lines, and a feel-good vibe. It’s the kind of movie you watch with friends, laughing at Kincaid’s antics and cheering Bryce’s improbable heroics. Plus, Hayek’s fiery performance adds extra spice.
Legacy and Vibe Check
A surprise hit in 2017, The Hitman’s Bodyguard spawned a sequel and cemented Reynolds and Jackson as a dream action-comedy duo. For American and English-speaking audiences, it offered a refreshing, R-rated twist on the buddy-cop genre, echoing classics like Lethal Weapon with modern flair. Its breezy charm and rewatchability make it a go-to for action fans craving laughs. Grab a drink, crank the volume, and let this hitman-bodyguard bromance sweep you away.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
The Hitman’s Bodyguard is a hilarious, action-packed thrill ride that lives on Reynolds and Jackson’s electric chemistry. It’s pure escapist fun that leaves you grinning ear to ear.