Bullet Train
Starring: Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Joey King
Directed By: David Leitch
Rated: R
Five assassins on one train. What could possibly go wrong?
Bullet Train is a cross between a Guy Ritchie film, Agatha Christie mystery, and Kingsman: The Secret Service. Ladybug (Brad Pitt) is an unlucky former assassin set on turning his life around. He’s been plagued with bad luck in job after job. After some excellent therapy, he decides to take a job on a Bullet Train to Tokyo where he’s sent to retrieve a mysterious briefcase. The job seems easy enough. Get the briefcase and go. Except things aren’t that simple. While on the train, Ladybug encounters The Wolf (Bad Bunny), Lemon and Tangerine (Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor Johnson), Kimora (Andrew Koji), and The Prince (Joey King). What do they all have in common? They’re all assassins. Ladybug really does have bad luck after all. Before arrival in Tokyo, the train of assassins will encounter shootouts, snakes, and a surprising number of Thomas the Tank Engine references.
The direction of Bullet Train by David Leitch is colorful, stylistic, and fast paced. With all of the quick cuts and needle drops, it feels like you’re watching a music video, at times. Considering the movie takes place entirely inside a train, you never tire of the central location. Each train car has a different aesthetic to keep the setting fresh. The film moves at a great pace and keeps the viewer engaged.
Bullet Train is a true ensemble film. All of the characters bring different plot lines to the table, yet their storylines weave together intricately. Think Love Actually or Valentines Day, but take away the romance and replace it with assassins.
Each cast member works to bring something different to the table. The standouts are Aaron Taylor Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry as Tangerine and Lemon, “brother” assassins recruited to work for the White Death, an evil crime boss. The two have quick comedic timing with everyone.
Brad Pitt is Ladybug, the assassin whose bad luck seems to follow him around. He’s got a new lease on life thanks to therapy, but will it make any difference on this train filled with killers? This is one of Pitt’s far more goofy roles, but he’s still highly entertaining.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Joey King can act! Anyone who has given her flack for the Kissing Booth franchise needs to back up. She proved her talent in the Hulu series The Act and gives a particularly menacing performance in Bullet Train as The Prince, a sociopathic girl who manipulates anyone who crosses her path.
For all of its style, Bullet Train is aggressively violent. Several scenes take things a bit too far with over-the-top non-stop violence. Hey look, a sword fight! Now it’s time for a shoot out! Here’s a quick cut of people vomiting blood! I get it, this is a movie about assassins. There will be violence, but I’m not sure all of it is necessary. The film’s third act takes a dive into aggressively unbelievable territory which unfortunately effects its overall quality.
While some of the violence and ridiculous finale of Bullet Train could easily be toned down, this makes for an intriguing summer blockbuster that’s a little bit Agatha Christie meets Guy Ritchie. Bullet Train is a stylish, action-packed thrill ride from start to finish.
My Rating: 7/10