CineTV Contest #92: The Hitman's Bodyguard—My Favourite Samuel L. Jackson's Movie

The movie turned out better than I expected. Isn't it an irony that a cold and calculating hitman would need the services of a private bodyguard to thwart the schemes of a wicked dictator?

Jackson plays the role of a hitman under FBI's strict protection, scheduled to testify at the International Criminal Court against a wicked dictator who had killed many people. His life is in danger and the only person capable of ensuring his safe arrival at the court is a private bodyguard, Michael Bryce (played by Ryan Reynolds).

The plot of this film connects these two main characters together even before they meet face to face. There's a lurking malice between them but circumstances of the job force them to let go of the past and work together. After all, their lives are on the line. Their bromance is the best I've seen so far in a movie. I wasn't surprised when the filmmakers pursued and released a sequel, Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard (2021).

Singly, Jackson and Reynolds are hilarious. Now imagine putting the two of them together in a movie. Their roles in this film complement each other well. Jackson is smart, intelligent and fast as a ruthless hitman should be. And he's also good with guns. Reynolds, on the other hand, is smart too but there are times he can't get past Jackson's character.

The scene I find most hilarious is where Jackson gets into their getaway car and tells Reynolds to put on his seatbelt but he doesn't. They're arguing and get into a car chase. Along the way, Jackson stops abruptly and Reynolds literally flies out through the windscreen to the ground! I'm not sure if that's realistic but it's absolutely rib-cracking.

I enjoy how they pull together their resources, intelligence and experience to overcome every hurdle that the wicked dictator placed on their paths to ensure they don't make it to The Hague and there's no incriminating testimony against him. The ending scene is captivating and action packed! I applaud Jackson's performance in it. His character change is impressive. He goes from being an unfeeling, reckless hitman who dislikes Reynolds’ character to an understanding and almost empathic person who befriends him.

The Hitman's Bodyguard is a delightful and action-packed movie that is worth watching. However due to language and violence, children aren't allowed to see it. If you've seen this film, let me know your thoughts on it.

This is my entry to the Cine TV Contest #92 — Favorite Samuel L. Jackson Movie. You're invited to participate.

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^{Images are screenshots from the trailer linked from YouTube}