By Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
2017’s The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard was an incredibly fun, Buddy Cop-esque romp and we’ve been waiting ever since for the followup! The chemistry that was shared in the first film between its leads made it so magical, but admittedly Sequel THE HITMAN’S WIFE’S BODYGUARD, is missing the high benchmark set by the its predecessor. even with Patrick Hughes returning in the Director’s chair. At times misses the Film leans a bit on clichés and tropes it explored already, and this is a shame because our hopes were high.
The Movie focuses on Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), who is in therapy after struggling to cope with the loss of his “Triple-A” bodyguard status over the events of the last film. He has sworn off a life of violence due to his PTSD caused by Darius Kincaid (Samuel L Jackson), wanting to reclaim his life. While listening to an Audiobook of The Secret, all hell is breaking lose behind Michael. Sonia (Salma Hayek) grabs Michael and tells him she needs his help to save her husband. Upon saving Darius, again, they are captured by Interpol Agent, Bobby O’Neill (Frank Grillo) and are tasked with taking-down Greek Terrorist Aristotle (Antonio Banderas) who is set on wiping-out Europe.
With the chemistry that was shared between Reynolds, Jackson and Hayek in the first movie was electric, this Sequel should have been a blast, but it isn’t. It feels at times like an Animated Feature where the Voice Cast are reciting their lines and going through the motions and this is unfortunate. The jokes don’t quite land like they did the first time around and this impacts the tone and feel of the Movie.
The near-100 minute running time often feels languid and even with copious shootouts and sprinklings of humour from its talented Cast, couldn’t help elevate the excitement. The Hitman’s Bodyguard aims, but misses.
VVS Films release THE HITMAN’S WIFE’S BODYGUARD in theatres on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
*Please ensure you exercise caution in observing COVID-19 protocols if seeing this in-theatre.*
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