The Hitman's Bodyguard

I wasn't unhappy with "The Hitman's Bodyguard" (2017). But, quite frankly, that shouldn't be the best thing I have to say about a movie.

"The Hitman's Bodyguard" (2017) would be your classic story about putting two detectives who hate each other on a case. This time though, it's a cop and con in a race against time bringing important testimony against a Belarusian dictator.

I'm totally psyched everybody's kind of obsessed with Ryan Reynolds at the moment. His sarcastic humor and ensuing comedic timing and delivery feel original. While I may have loved him in rom-coms, films like "The Hitman's Bodyguard" (and I'm assuming "Deadpool;" I haven't actually seen that one yet...) seem to bring out his natural humor and yes, the world is all the better for it.

Samuel Jackson. He plays crazy well. I'd like to add more to that statement, but honestly, there are few sentences that could do justice to the wonderful and unique experience of watching a psychotic Sam Jackson.

It's a comedy and I suppose they hit all their notes right. There's the obvious contrast between hitman and bodyguard, a pairing guaranteeing some laughs. The sad backstory they bring out at the right moment to show character motivations. Plus, it's an action film so there's a pretty sweet chase scene.

I did enjoy that they took each note seriously. Instead of just putting a hitman and bodyguard together, having that generate laughs alone, the story had them discussing the morality of their respective roles (it's not an extended conversation, but certainly an interesting angle and appreciated one). Plus, the love interest, Elodie Yung, actually has a role to play and isn't just part of a tragic romantic past who shows up at the end. And, while I may not think Reynolds and Jackson have a ton of chemistry, they're still pretty funny to watch together, playing to their comedic strengths.

But those notes don't mesh together as well as I might have liked and it's all Gary Oldman's fault. He plays the Belarusian dictator on trial, the one who will be exposed with Jackson's testimony, but his role is just way too serious for this film. "Hitman's Bodyguard," to its credit, tries to show the terror a dictator can oppress on those who speak out against them. But, when shown against the "Hitman's" gory comedy, it just feels inappropriate.

So, on the same note, the gory violence of "The Hitman's Bodyguard" tends to feel slightly garish. And yes, it's rated "R" so I get that. But, with the seriousness of the plot, there are moments that feel unnecessary. It's possible to pose serious themes in comedies, but the comedy shouldn't come at its expense (particularly something that's intrinsically serious and not propped up as such by the plot).

I really didn't hate this film. It's funny and actually has a little substance to it. Five bucks was worth it, but in the end, I think "The Hitman's Bodyguard" was better as a movie trailer.