09 Jun The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard Review

THE HITMAN’S WIFE’S BODYGUARD

dir. Patrick Hughes, starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek

The summer blockbuster season is finally here.

Not to say that it hadn’t started; the blockbuster season kicked off with the lackluster Without Remorse and has since failed to impress me with any of its action offerings that define the most magical moviegoing time of the year. With the release of The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, I can confidently say that fun has returned to your local cineplex (or drive in, I don’t know how you watch your movies).

The sequel to the surprising 2017 action comedy, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is just as nonsensical and ludicrous as its title suggests. Returning to the film are Michael Bryce (Reynolds), Darian Kincaid (Jackson), and Sonia Kincaid (Hayek) as Sonia forces Bryce out of a much-needed respite from the world of bodyguarding in order to rescue her husband. Having sworn off guns and lethal force, Bryce is forced to invent alternative means to accomplish their objective. This sweeps Bryce and both Kincaids into a larger story involving the potential destruction of Europe.

Over the years, with films like Van Wilder, Waiting, and of course Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds has cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s favorite fast talking, foul mouth, sarcastic funny guys. He continues with that tradition in The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard as Michael Bryce is pulled into the circumstances regardless of his wishes in life. On the one hand, Reynolds doesn’t bring anything new or fresh to the character; it’s one we’ve already seen him play in multiple films. On the other, he’s used those multiple films to hone and perfect this niche that he’s landed himself in and he continues to shine and be both funny and at times warm and affable while he’s doing it. Seeing Reynolds in these roles is like slipping into a favored hoodie in the late fall.

While Reynolds was making his name as slick talking leading man, Samuel L. Jackson was carving out his role as America’s foul mouthed Angry Black Man in films both comedic and dramatic. This persona poked its head out in Jurassic Park, was fully birthed in Pulp Fiction, and has been a comfortable go-to ever since. Here is no different as Jackson yells, wisecracks, and cackles his way through the film, at times seeming to enjoy the danger they find themselves in. Much like Reynolds, Jackson’s technique and persona has been finely tuned to a well-run engine. If Reynolds is like that favorite hoodie in the fall, seeing Jackson in these roles is like that first pumpkin spice latte while wearing said hoodie.

While no stranger to comedy, Salma Hayek is rarely seen as raw and gleefully unleashed as she was in The Hitman’s Bodyguard and now this film. With an increased screen time from the first, Hayek’s Sonia Kincaid is the anchor of the film. While not the central plot point, her wish to become a mother is explored throughout the film, as well as the very obvious question of her qualifications to do so. Hayek goes toe-to-toe with both Reynolds and Jackson in the outlandish vulgarity department, proving she can hang with the fellas and, in some cases, out-crude them both.

As for the rest of the cast, a reunion of Hayek and Antonio Banderas was a delight to see, even if they’re on opposing teams. Banderas as Aristotle Popadoplous is doing his best with the material given, but with the focus of the story being on the hitman, the hitman’s wife, and their bodyguard, scant little screen time is given to the antagonists. Popadopolous’ plan, to destroy all of Europe to bring Greece back to prominence, is as preposterous as you think it is, but thanks to the outlandish tone of the movie, it’s to be expected. Frank Grillo also appears as a Bostonian Interpol agent, but his character suffers the most. Gone for large chunks of the second act, it’s hard pressed to see how much his character is needed after sending the three on their mission.

Directed by Patrick Hughes, who also directed the first film, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is exactly what we’ve come to expect from Hollywood sequels since James Cameron’s Aliens: take the original premise and crank it up to 11. Luckily, Hughes is up to the challenge as the film zips by at a 100 minute pace and leaves little room for downtime (or character development). The action scenes are fun and cleverly presented, the editing is tight, and the camerawork makes everything easy to follow. With these two films under his belt, I’m looking forward to seeing what else is Hughes is capable of.

Overall, while not as fresh or inventive as its predecessor, there’s still an abundance of joy to be had watching this new installment. The quick pace, the chemistry between the three titular characters, and the absolute absurdity of the plot all combine to make a crazy goulash of a film that is equal parts funny and eye rolling. While the plot teeters towards cartoonish Roger Moore Bond villain levels, it gives the story the freedom needed to let the characters be their craziest selves and lets the audiences enjoy the sheer lunacy of the predicaments they find themselves in. The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard hits theaters June 16th.

Review by Darryl Mansel