Seeing The Hitman's Bodyguard was an accident. There was a crash on the M6 meaning we couldn't make it to see Detroit and have tea beforehand, and as it happens, we were all rather hangry. The Hitman's Bodyguard started at 9pm, so we had a cheeky Nando's and were away.
We had no idea what the film was about, I haven't seen loads of advertising for it, and Rotten Tomatoes suggested it was a 36% film. Rotten Tomatoes was right. The film follows Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), a former 'triple A' bodyguard, after being called at the last minute to protect Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson). Kincaid is a notorious hitman, but also Interpol's last chance to prosecute a world leader for crimes against humanity. Bryce must ensure Kincaid is safely escorted from the UK to the Netherlands. As you can probably guess, along the way there are many hiccups - people trying to kill Kincaid, and Kincaid trying to escape.
From the plot summary above, the storyline doesn't actually sound that bad, it seems like it could be quite captivating, and exciting. However, in reality, it is an obvious story throughout, and the execution of it is not the best either. The film is 2hrs long, which is far too long for a movie you could guess the ending from the first 20 minutes, leaving the audience bored in places.
The film is by no means serious, and the elements of comedy do work in some places, but it isn't the funniest action comedy either. I watched Kingsman: The Secret Service last night (revision for the sequel, out next week), and found it far more humorous and exciting.
The only redeeming feature of the film was the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackson, and the way it develops through the film. From the initial relationship as prisoner and bodyguard, to them working together to survive in situations, teasing each other, and possibly even friendship. I think the acting skill here really enhanced the storyline, it's just a shame the storyline was so weak. From that initial review on Rotten Tomatoes, I think it is clear that my view is probably the view of many.
The Hitman's Bodyguard worked in one way for me, it allowed me to have my chicken, and cured my hangriness. But on reflection, if it wasn't for the M6, I wouldn't have seen this film, and I wouldn't have felt that I was missing out. When we pick a film at the cinema, it's often based on adverts, what's popular in the media, the occasional Ali Plumb review on Radio 1, but more often than not, a quick score check on IMDb and RT. The Hitman's Bodyguard wouldn't even reach my radar. Maybe that is for me to open my horizons a bit more, and read more and see more less commercial films, but on this occasion, our system was right. The Hitman's Bodyguard gets a 4.5/10. I've seen worst, but not worth the 2hrs of your life really.
Showing posts with label Samuel L Jackson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Samuel L Jackson. Show all posts
Sunday, 17 September 2017
Tuesday, 14 March 2017
14. Kong: Skull Island
First of all, sorry for my lateness is posting this - I've had a busy week involving me joining my mid-twenties (first thing my mum said to me on the day) and also having my phone robbed in a club - I've spent most of my time since in the O2 shop sorting my life out (they have been great fyi - even made me a brew on one of my trips in store). I've been trying to write a review the day after I've seen a film, but I saw Kong on Thursday night, and it's now half ten on Tuesday, so I feel this review may be different to my previous posts. I've really had time to mull over the film and think about it. In this case, I don't think it's done the film any favours.
As you can probably already guess, I've not seen any other King Kong films (a film pre-2015 and also unrealistic) so this was my first taste of what I like to think would have been Harambe's starring role (sorry I realise Harambe is v 2016, but yes, I do have irritating LAD sense of humour). The story was quick paced, simple, and easy to follow. We had 3D and DBOX (treats) for this film, and I think it worked pretty well. There was enough action, and there were also things like helicopter rides which I think DBOX suited really well.
The story follows some big named actors, as they try to work out if there really is a monster living on Skull Island. The bill includes superstars like Samuel L Jackson, Brie Larson, John Goodman, John C. Reilly and Tom Hiddleston, and if you're a telly fan, there's also Toby Kebbell who starred in a great episode of Black Mirror in 2011 (side note- if you haven't watched Black Mirror yet, get on Netflix). Kong is such a big budget movie, with such a great billing, but unfortunately, I don't think it quite hit the mark.
I don't think the storyline was captivating enough, and I think maybe there were too many characters- you don't learn enough about each of them, and you don't become attached to them either. There wasn't any interesting friendships or relationships, and even rivalries that occur from a split in the group don't leave you particularly excited or attached to any of the characters. When I saw John C. Reilly was cast in the film, I thought he would be hilarious, but I think his script fell a little short of the mark.
I did quite enjoy the cinematography, and enjoyed the way the monsters on the island were created. I found it imaginative, and interesting, and I was intrigued to see which giant animal we would see next. Again, I think this worked really well with the DBOX, and I did think it made the film fun. There is no doubt that the film is an easy watch, and I did find parts playful and exciting, but as a whole, there are much better options out there - Jurassic World, for example.
When I initially left the cinema I gave the film a 7/10. It was pretty inoffensive, has a great cast list, but it's nothing to shout home about. After having time to think more about it, I think I can only give it 6.5/10. The plot isn't very memorable, and it's not been something that's made me think about anything differently, and it's not played on my mind during the week. As you probably know, I do like a film with a good message, or that gives me something to mull over, and this isn't that.
As you can probably already guess, I've not seen any other King Kong films (a film pre-2015 and also unrealistic) so this was my first taste of what I like to think would have been Harambe's starring role (sorry I realise Harambe is v 2016, but yes, I do have irritating LAD sense of humour). The story was quick paced, simple, and easy to follow. We had 3D and DBOX (treats) for this film, and I think it worked pretty well. There was enough action, and there were also things like helicopter rides which I think DBOX suited really well.
The story follows some big named actors, as they try to work out if there really is a monster living on Skull Island. The bill includes superstars like Samuel L Jackson, Brie Larson, John Goodman, John C. Reilly and Tom Hiddleston, and if you're a telly fan, there's also Toby Kebbell who starred in a great episode of Black Mirror in 2011 (side note- if you haven't watched Black Mirror yet, get on Netflix). Kong is such a big budget movie, with such a great billing, but unfortunately, I don't think it quite hit the mark.
I don't think the storyline was captivating enough, and I think maybe there were too many characters- you don't learn enough about each of them, and you don't become attached to them either. There wasn't any interesting friendships or relationships, and even rivalries that occur from a split in the group don't leave you particularly excited or attached to any of the characters. When I saw John C. Reilly was cast in the film, I thought he would be hilarious, but I think his script fell a little short of the mark.
I did quite enjoy the cinematography, and enjoyed the way the monsters on the island were created. I found it imaginative, and interesting, and I was intrigued to see which giant animal we would see next. Again, I think this worked really well with the DBOX, and I did think it made the film fun. There is no doubt that the film is an easy watch, and I did find parts playful and exciting, but as a whole, there are much better options out there - Jurassic World, for example.
When I initially left the cinema I gave the film a 7/10. It was pretty inoffensive, has a great cast list, but it's nothing to shout home about. After having time to think more about it, I think I can only give it 6.5/10. The plot isn't very memorable, and it's not been something that's made me think about anything differently, and it's not played on my mind during the week. As you probably know, I do like a film with a good message, or that gives me something to mull over, and this isn't that.
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