BULLET TRAIN REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

David Leitch is best known for directing the spy-based thriller, Atomic Blonde, which starred Charlize Theron and was released in 2017, Deadpool 2, which starred Ryan Reynolds as the foul-mouthed mercenary and Hobbs & Shaw which was a spin-off from the action packed blockbuster franchise, Fast & Furious. While the film themselves have received a mixed response, they’ve each found success at the box office and established Leitch as a skilful filmmaker who can create exciting films packed full of action. Although Atomic Blonde had a more serious tone, both Deadpool 2 and Hobbs & Shaw proved that he had a sense of humour. The same can be said for Leitch’s latest film, Bullet Train, which provides audiences with thrilling action, brutal and violent fights and tongue in cheek humour. 

Bullet Train focuses on Ladybug (Brad Pitt), an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug's latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe -- all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives -- on the world's fastest train.

The assignment is simple as all Ladybug has to do is grab a briefcase containing a large amounts of money and exit the train at the next stop. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t take long for things to go wrong with Ladybug having to face off a group of characters who each want the briefcase for their own reasons, including “twins”, Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry) and Tangerine (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who aren’t as sweet as their name implies; The Prince (Joey King), who is hiding a dark, threatening personality underneath her young and innocent looking appearance and Kimura (Andrew Koji), a father seeking revenge after his son was pushed off a building. Although Bullet Train is being marketed as a “Brad Pitt film”, those hoping to see a lot of his character, Ladybug, in action may be disappointed as the film divides its attention between the characters. Ladybug is an assassin seeking peace which is why he accepts the task of retrieving a briefcase from onboard a train, however, what he wasn’t expecting was the violent chaos he encounters. Throughout Bullet Train, Ladybug communicates with his boss, Maria (voiced by Sandra Bullock), who keeps his calm during the action. Because most of the characters are interesting and memorable individuals, the story doesn’t lose the viewers’ attention as it switches between them. 

Bullet Train benefits from the amusing performances delivered by its star studded cast. Pitt brings wit and charm to his portrayal of Ladybug. Tyree Henry and Taylor-Johnson are scene stealers as Lemon and Tangerine, with most of the comic relief coming from their foul mouthed arguments, with the former frequently describing people as characters from the children’s show, Thomas the Tank Engine. King also impresses with her role as The Prince, who may seem sweet and innocent which she uses to her advantage. Stand out supporting roles are provided by Hiroyuki Sanada as The Elder and Andrew Koji as his son, Kimura. The latter is seeking revenge on board the train after his son was pushed from a building. The relationship between The Elder and Kimura is where Bullet Train is at its most touching. The film also features brief appearances from Bad Bunny as The Wolf, Zazie Beets as The Hornet and Michael Shannon as the intimidating White Death. 

Bullet Train is at its best when it’s focusing on the thrilling action and brutal and violent fight sequences. A lot of action is shot using a shaky cam making it difficult to tell what’s going on. That’s not the case with Bullet Train. It’s hardly surprising that the action sequences and fights are well shot and skilfully choreographed as Leitch is a professional stunt performer and coordinator who has previously worked as Pitt’s stunt double in Fight Club, Ocean’s Eleven, Troy and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. What’s most impressive about Pitt’s performance in Bullet Train is that, according to stunt coordinator Greg Rementer, he did 95% of his own stunts. While it’s easy to understand why an actor would rely on a stunt double as some action sequences are too dangerous, it’s always refreshing watching a film knowing that it’s the actor performing the stunts. 

Because it never takes itself too seriously and is filled with exhilarating action and violent fight sequences, Bullet Train makes for a mostly entertaining watch. However, it isn’t without its flaws. Following its release, the reception from critics has been divisive, with the majority of them saying that the various backstories are a distraction and that its runtime of 127 minutes is too long. Although I enjoyed Bullet Train, I can understand why there’s been a mixed response as the film does spend too much time focusing on detailing the backstories of its characters, rather than the main narrative on board the train. Fortunately, these flaws didn’t prevent me from finding Bullet Train to be a thoroughly fun ride with amusing performances from its cast.

7/10