Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard
review by Bobby Blakey
After the success of the 2017 action comedy The Hitman’s Bodyguard starring Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson it comes as no surprise that we are getting a sequel. Now they duo are back along with Salma Hayek reprising her role front and center as well as Antonio Banderas, Morgan Freeman, Frank Grillo, and Richard E. Grant. Could this next entry deliver on the action and laughs or will it be a dysfunctional relationship not worth revisiting?
The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard follows the world’s most lethal odd couple – bodyguard Michael Bryce and hitman Darius Kincaid, back on another life-threatening mission. Still unlicensed and under scrutiny, Bryce is forced into action by Darius’s even more volatile wife, the infamous international con artist Sonia Kincaid. As Bryce is driven over the edge by his two most dangerous protectees, the trio get in over their heads in a global plot and soon find that they are all that stand between Europe and a vengeful and powerful madman.
I love the first film and after revisiting it loved it all the more. The charm is the relationship between Jackson and Reynolds which brought some heart, laughs and all around fun. So with pushing Hayek to the forefront this time around I wondered if it would still have the same magic and I am happy to report that it not only works, but is right up there if not better than the first.
Everything that made the first film so much fun is here, but the inclusion of Hayek takes everything up a notch. She is always so great, but steals the show this time around. We have all the same dysfunction of the original, but she brings an unhinged motherly bridge to their broken relationship. As much as Hayek and Jackson love each other in the film they are just as broken at times adding to the overall chaotic vibe of the trio and tons of laughs.
New additions Banderas and Freeman bring new elements to the story and to the evolution of all those involved. Much like Gary Oldman in the first film, Banderas is more of a straight villain, but his look and tone it a bit more cartoonish. Freeman is always a great addition, but his unexpected twist connection to the story is pure genius and adds a whole other dimension to the fun of it all.
Much like the previous film they fuse a ton of high octane action with the laughs. There is all the car chases and gunfights you expect that are even better this time around. I had a ton of fun with this follow-up that even sets the tone for the possibility of even more ridiculous fun for another entry should they decided to go for it which I hope they do.
In addition to the film this release offers bonus content including trailers, gag reel, and numerous featurettes that take you behind bringing this action packed sequel to life. Hit the road with this dysfunctional trio when Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard available now on digital and then on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on August 17th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.
