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.

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.

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.

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.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard offers light moments worth your popcorn and ticket price.