Film: Bullet Train

 

GENRE: Action Comedy
RATING: R for violence and language
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 6 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Brad Pitt (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Inglorious Basterds)
Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Avengers 2); Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta)
DIRECTOR: David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2)
WRITER: Zak Olkewicz (newcomer)
PLOT: A number of assassins find themselves on a fast train with similar missions.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: I enjoyed the trailer but didn’t know much else.    

STORY STUFF: I enjoyed the basic storyline of the film, there are a lot of twists and turns and backstories and fun action scenes. There’s a playfulness that keeps the audience highly entertained while watching a bunch of killing going on. My biggest issue is that they pushed the limit of my suspension of disbelief. An unmanned, fully stocked bar car? Are there only two people working on this ten car train? They try to justify some of the absences but it doesn’t explain the kids or shushing lady. Also, open exterior doors on a train going that fast would have more consequences. The physics alone not to mention the complete lack security on the train or at the stations. Unfortunately, those things took me out of the film a few times.  

ACTING STUFF: Pitt is fun to watch as a killer trying to change his life and talk instead of using guns.  His luck is also fun to watch. The chemistry between Taylor-Johnson & Henry as Tangerine & Lemon is also a treat. Got a little tired of Joey King (The Kissing Booth) but I was probably supposed to feel that way. There are a couple of fun cameos to look for in the film. Sandra Bullock looks way too airbrushed though – she almost appeared CG at times.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Great cinematography through the action sequences but that shouldn’t be surprising coming from Leitch. I liked the titles throughout the film and the use of colour in the sets. I really enjoyed the Japanese renditions of ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and ‘I Need a Hero’ but the rest of the music didn’t work for me, I wish they stuck with the Japanese versions throughout the film. 

VERDICT: Three and a half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like Brad Pitt and some action in far-fetched scenarios
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Better Call Saul, Don’t Worry Darling