Very funny, but quit violent, the action crime comedy The Hitman’s Bodyguard’s Wife explodes on the big screen on June 16th. It’s Ryan Reynolds, Salma Hayek and Samuel L. Jackson at their best in this fast moving thriller. Not for everyone as the violence meter hits extreme, but for those that know it’s just make-believe, chuckle away.
Down on his career mistakes, hired gun Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) has a fear that he will not get his bodyguard license renewed. He dreams that it will expire and he will not have a chance at receiving the coveted AAA award for body guarding like his dad. His shrink tells him he has reached psychological danger levels and needs to quit and take another direction in life. But just when he thinks its retirement time, Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek) comes crashing into his life to reel him in for one last shot.
She’s the wife of Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), one of the world’s most volatile hitmen and former client of Michael Bryce, so she thinks it’s a natural decision. When Darius gets wind that Michael was hired, he tells Sonia he meant “to get anyone but Bryce”. Too late to change things, the three get attacked and are on the run. When they find out there’s a plan by Aristotle Papadopolous (Antonio Banderas), who controls his country Greece, to blow up Europe because of the European Union’s threat of sanctions, all hell breaks loose.
The film gets real hilarious at times over all the stupid things the trio do throughout the nearly two hour laugh fest. Director Patrick Hughes, helmsman for the action thriller The Expendables 3, has had the unique experience of working with a lot of gun fire and explosions and uses it in this non-stop action comedy. He has the perfect cast, an excellent cinematographer Terry Stacey (with over 60 credits including “Den of Thieves”) and throws in some amazing special effects and stunt work.
If you haven’t had enough of Ryan Reynolds as the droll and kooky Deadpool, then look no further than his performance of bodyguard Michael Bryce. Here he is over the top crazy as he tries to protect the ultraviolent and crazed Darius Kincaid. Putting himself in danger at every turn, he finds some of the most ridiculous ways of meeting the challenge.
Both Salma Hayek and Samuel L. Jackson are perfect for their roles as the out of control couple that seems to purposely put themselves at risk for the thrills. And as the world’s most dangerous hitman, Darius finds himself as a target anywhere he shows up. But his love and tough cookie Sonia doesn’t know the meaning of a plan choosing her own path to protect her hubby during some of the most death defying combat situations.
The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard has been rated R by the MPAA for strong bloody violence throughout, pervasive language, and some sexual content. The film is best seen on the big screen, so don’t wait for it to come out on Home Video or VOD as it will lose its power of sound and visual experience. The fights do get ferocious at times, but Director Patrick Hughes adds the element of comedy to soften the blow. It’s a must see for action junkies and “star” watching. You go Selma!
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, with Antonio Banderas, and Morgan Freeman, Frank Grillo, Caroline Goodall,
Director: Patrick Hughes
Genre: Action, Crime, Comedy
MPAA Rating: R for strong bloody violence throughout, pervasive language, and some sexual content
Running Time: 1 hr. 56 min.
Opening Date: June 16, 2921
Distributed by: Lionsgate Pictures
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
