The Hitman’s Bodyguard

Release Date: August 18, 2017
Director: Patrick Hughes
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Gary Oldman

The Hitman’s Bodyguard is a hilarious buddy-action romp that brings together Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson in a wildly fun, over-the-top spectacle of gunfire, insults, and comedic brilliance. I went in with zero expectations, thinking it’d be a simple popcorn flick — and it completely surprised me. Not only did it deliver laughs by the bucketload, but it also made me care about two totally mismatched characters, thanks to the sharp humor and solid performances from its lead cast. Reynolds and Jackson make an unexpectedly perfect pair, pulling off both explosive action and comedic timing with ease.

Plot Breakdown: A Wild Ride

The story follows Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), a once-elite bodyguard now scraping by in low-stakes gigs after a disastrous assignment cost him his prestigious AAA rating. He’s got some major redemption issues, trying to prove he’s still got it — but then, in comes Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), a loud-mouthed, effortlessly dangerous hitman with a kill count that’s somehow “justified” in his mind. Darius has agreed to testify against a ruthless dictator, Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman), at the International Criminal Court. It’s Bryce’s job to get him there in one piece, all while Darius barely takes the threat to his life seriously.

As they race through Europe from England to the Netherlands, Bryce and Kincaid face relentless attacks from Dukhovich’s mercenaries and Interpol moles, forcing them into an absurdly entertaining game of cat and mouse — filled with chase scenes, shootouts, and loads of insults. And somehow, in the midst of all the chaos, they start learning to work together, almost like two exasperated family members.

Chemistry on Fire

The film lives or dies by the chemistry between Jackson and Reynolds, and thankfully, these two were made for this kind of role. Their banter is electric, turning almost every scene into a laugh-fest as they lob one-liners and insults at each other. Reynolds, as the straitlaced but secretly unhinged bodyguard, contrasts perfectly with Jackson’s foul-mouthed, wise-cracking assassin who doesn’t have a care in the world. Bryce’s constant exasperation with Kincaid’s laid-back, ‘devil-may-care’ attitude toward mortal danger makes for some seriously funny scenes — and Jackson shines as he plays it all like it’s no big deal. Every time Reynolds' Bryce starts taking himself too seriously, Jackson’s Kincaid reminds him, with a grin, that he’s probably one gunshot away from a complete mental breakdown.

One of the film’s most fun elements is Bryce’s obsession with regaining his AAA rating, a recurring gag that runs parallel to his personal redemption arc. Meanwhile, Kincaid couldn’t care less about prestige or honor; he’s here to survive, take out the bad guys, and maybe taunt Bryce along the way.

Salma Hayek and Gary Oldman: Mixed Results

As if Reynolds and Jackson weren’t enough, Salma Hayek as Sonia Kincaid, Darius’s fiery wife, completely steals the scenes she’s in. She’s fierce, foul-mouthed, and seems to match (or even surpass) her husband in both toughness and audacity. There’s one bar scene where Sonia takes down a group of inmates without missing a beat, and it’s an absolute riot. Hayek’s character adds another layer of comedy, providing a break from the mayhem and showing how Kincaid’s life is just as wild off-duty as it is on a mission.

On the flip side, Gary Oldman as Vladislav Dukhovich feels a bit wasted. Oldman is a powerhouse actor, but here, he’s reduced to a stereotypical villain who does little more than sneer and order around his ineffective goons. You expect a villain of his caliber to send chills down your spine, but Dukhovich’s men shoot with the precision of stormtroopers, missing every chance to take out Bryce and Kincaid. It feels like the character was added just to give the protagonists an excuse to get from point A to point B. Unfortunately, Oldman’s talents don’t have much room to shine.

Action Meets Comedy: Blurring the Lines

Where The Hitman’s Bodyguard excels is in the action-comedy hybrid genre, never taking itself too seriously and always going for the laugh, even in the middle of intense action scenes. Some of the shootouts and car chases may be predictable, but the humor and banter sprinkled throughout keep them from feeling stale. Director Patrick Hughes gives us one outrageous set piece after another — and while it’s not John Wick or Atomic Blonde, the action is still well-executed and visually engaging.

And yes, there’s a moment when Bryce gets fed up with Kincaid’s antics and yells about wanting to keep his car spotless, only to have it smashed to bits moments later. These physical gags add an extra layer to the verbal humor, making it nearly impossible not to laugh. Hughes lets the actors lean into their comedic strengths, and it’s clear everyone is having a blast, making the humor feel natural rather than forced.

A Few Misses, but Still a Wild Ride

The plot is admittedly formulaic and predictable, following a basic buddy-cop storyline with no major twists. The villains are generic, and certain character motivations aren’t fully explored — but honestly, this isn’t the type of movie you watch for the plot. The Hitman’s Bodyguard works because of its larger-than-life characters, hilarious dialogue, and a good dose of slapstick that keeps the energy up. Sometimes, you just want to watch something fun and entertaining, and this movie delivers exactly that.

Final Thoughts: A Must-See Action Comedy

The Hitman’s Bodyguard isn’t a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s an action-packed, laugh-out-loud comedy with two charismatic leads who turn even the cheesiest moments into pure gold. Reynolds and Jackson are a blast to watch, Hayek adds her own punch of energy, and despite Oldman’s underwhelming villain, the film still hits the mark for an entertaining two hours.

If you’re looking for a movie that’s all about ridiculous fun and action with a side of laughs, The Hitman’s Bodyguard is definitely worth the watch. Just don’t expect deep messages or intricate storytelling — this one’s all about the ride.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)