Reynolds and Jackson charm, but weak writing and direction hold this buddy film back.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for The Hitman's Bodyguard is mixed-to-middling, with most reviewers finding it a passable but unremarkable entry in the buddy comedy genre. The near-unanimous point of praise is the chemistry and charisma of leads Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson, whose banter is credited with elevating otherwise thin material. Common criticisms center on a loose, overlong narrative and weak direction, with several critics suggesting a tighter script and a more capable director could have made far better use of the premise.
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 5 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
If the film only had Reynolds and Jackson talking to each other, without the bells and whistles of action and contrived conflict, it could have been even more entertaining. The idea of lampooning The Bodyguard and Whitney Houston's song is undeniably funny but a better director – like duo of Phil Lord and Chris Miller – could have taken the idea and turned it into a more memorable film.
Top critic
Film review ·
In parts, and very small parts, the banter between Samuel L Jackson and Ryan Reynolds, two indisputably charismatic actors, is funny and makes you forget a lot else that is going around them.
Film review ·
The Hitman's Bodyguard offers light moments worth your popcorn and ticket price.
Film review ·
If only it was a tighter story - 'Hitman's Bodyguard' would be a crisper and much better film. But don't let that detract you from checking this out and enjoying it for what it is - a forgettable yet fun watch at the theatre.
Film review ·
But for the charismatic turns by Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L Jackson and to some extent Salma Hayek, this one would have been just as imminently forgettable as countless other odd-couple buddy comedy copycat films we have been subjected to in the past.
Credits
Ryan ReynoldsMichael Bryce
Samuel L. JacksonDarius Kincaid
Gary OldmanVladislav Dukhovich
Richard E. GrantSeifert
Elodie YungAmelia Roussel
Salma HayekSonia Kincaid
Joaquim de AlmeidaJean Foucher
Kirsty MitchellRebecca Harr
Sam HazeldineGarrett
Patrick Hughes
Dana Goldberg
Jake Roberts
David Ellison
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