PRESCREEN REVIEW: The Hitman's Bodyguard

   When it comes to successful comedies, the ones that make it seem to have a host of things go right. This year has seen its fair share so far of some really great comedies that have been well-written, well-produced, with acting that seems genuine and on point. Adding to that list will be another great comedy from the director of Expendables 3 Patrick Hughes; a film that relies heavily on the comedic dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson. The Hitman's Bodyguard is a fun, entertaining, action-packed, hilarious yet straight-forward comedy that is easily one of the more entertaining comedies of the year so far. I think a lot of the buzz will come from wanting to see the interactions between Jackson and Reynolds, and rightfully so. If your leads can't hold it together, well then you're sunk. Luck for us that's not the case here.

   The Hitman's Bodyguard tells the story of Michael Bryce (Reynolds), the world's top bodyguard who falls on hard times, but is given an opportunity to guard a new client. Things turn a bit hostile when he learns that the new client is the hit man Darius Kincaid (Jackson), who must testify at the International Court of Justice against a corrupt political leader played by Gary Oldman. In order to brave the chaos that ensues, they must learn to put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time. It's a fairly straight-forward story and the comedy comes mainly from the interactions between Kincaid and Michael. Though somewhat bland as characters go, Reynolds and Jackson bring their charm, charisma, comedic timing, and all around bad-assery to these roles and it makes for a really fun, really hilarious ride.

 
   Director Patrick Hughes' last outing was with Expendables 3, as mentioned before, and though the action in that film was mediocre at best, you can see a huge improvement with this film. I don't recall there being a lot of CGI, most of the stunts felt practical which is always better. There are some sequences that are just really well shot and edited, two in particular. There is a really fun fight scene between Reynolds and some bad guys in like a hardware store or something where they have to get creative with what they use to fight with. There's also a really great car chase scene involving multiple cars, a river, and a boat. All in all the action seems fluid, grounded, well-directed and edited, and allows for organic comedic moments to arise.

   I enjoyed my time with The Hitman's Bodyguard. I was able to catch a prescreening of it a few weeks ago and though it's taken me forever to get this review out, a lot of that movie has stuck with me. It's just a really fun and entertaining action/comedy that audiences will enjoy. It will surely win the box office, should Annabelle: Creation take a dive. Check it out, it opens this weekend. I'm sure you'll have as much fun as I did.