Opening 31 Aug 2017
Directed by:
Patrick Hughes
Writing credits:
Tom O'Connor
Principal actors:
Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman, Elodie Yung, Salma Hayek
From the opening credits sequence onward it is clear this is a high-octane action movie. Samuel L. Jackson (Darius Kincaid) and Ryan Reynolds (Michael Bryce) have a history; their paths crossed more than once with debatable outcomes. But, women issues they have in common: Sonia Kincaid (Hayek) is stuck in Amsterdam with a view of a clock tower, whereas due to a miscalculated misunderstanding, Bryce only hears from Amelia (Yung) when she needs something. Like a decisive bodyguard. A hitman, expected at the UN International Court in Den Haag, needs protecting. Nevertheless, a nefarious Russian (Oldman) has many reasons for keeping the hitman from testifying, and a large hit squad. The ensuing cat and mouse game across Europe will have audiences straining to stay in their seats.
Screenwriter Tom O'Connor offset the action’s intensity by inserting comedic wit throughout that director Patrick Hughes easily matches with wild, madcap exploits: gun battles with surprising spin-offs, and hair-raising chase scenes. Cinematographer Jules O'Loughlin and editor Jake Roberts brilliantly meet the challenges of the storyline with Atli Örvarsson’s edgy music in lockstep. Jackson and Reynolds add a new edge to buddy flicks, and Hayek’s moves will surprise you. This is one of those popcorn movies to just sit back and enjoy for the simple fun of the whole. (Marinell Haegelin)
