First Take: The Hitman’s Bodyguard- another enjoyable action comedy

SYNOPSIS: The world’s top bodyguard gets a new client, a hit man who must testify at the International Court of Justice. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time.

Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L Jackson in a film together. Cue the swear counter, this film is full of expletives and for very good reason- Patrick Hughes has made a generally decent comedy that might not be for everyone, but it really packed a punch.

Hughes directs it well, using his experience on The Expendables 3 to balance the action and the comedy really well throughout, and working to a script from Tom O’Connor, the has a lot of subtle references and in-jokes that add to a payoff that some may seem as a little underwhelming, but my audience certainly lapped it up. It’s shot well by Jules O'Loughlin, and the score from Atli Örvarsson is subtle, basic, and does the job.

Performance wise, it’s all about the pairing of Reynolds and Jackson. They have a unique chemistry that makes what could have been a mediocre film one of the surprises of the summer, and with a supporting cast that includes Richard E Grant, Gary Oldman and Salma Hayek, the talent alone is enough to convince the majority of cinemagoers to give this a go

THE VERDICT

What could have been a mediocre concept is saved by some decent humour, great and unique action setpieces, and the incredible pairing of Samuel L Jackson and Ryan Reynolds. If you enjoyed the buddy concept of films like The Nice Guys, give this a go.

RATING- 4/5