Action, comedy, and some romance thrown in for good measure, The Killer's Game feels like a classic 90s romp that sees Dave Bautista doing what he is known for: kicking *ss and taking names.
The Killer's Game Review
Based on Jay Bonansinga’s 1997 novel of the same name, The Killer's Game is like if pro wrestling decided to script a John Wick style storyline using one of its most recognizable faces. Once it gets past the initial setup, it moves through the story and the opponents with the same high-octane energy as any WrestleMania event. Sure that means the twists are abrupt and some of the dialogue is cheesy, but none of that matters because you are enjoying the ride. Director J.J. Perry, who just like Chad Stahelski, Sam Hargrave, and David Leitch crossed over from the world of stunt work, knows his way around an action sequence. Not only that, he clearly understands how to get the most out of his actors who cut their teeth in physically demanding roles. The result is that The Killer's Game feels like a classic 90s action- comedy romp that sees Dave Bautista doing what he does best: kicking *ss and taking names.
Elite, nice-guy assassin Joe Flood (Bautista) lives by a code, he only kills bad guys that his handler, best, and only friend Zvi (Ben Kingsley) assigns to him. While on a job, he sees ballerina Maize (Sofia Boutella), with their meet-cute happening after his meet-kill. He falls in love but still remains committed to his job until one day decides he wants to retire and live the quiet life with Maize. Unfortunately he gets some bad news: he's been diagnosed with a terminal, debilitating disease that will make his life miserable until the end. Determined to go out on his own terms, while also securing Maize's future, he takes out a hit on himself. But right before the contract goes live, his doctor calls telling him he was misdiagnosed. Oops. Too late to call it off, Joe must face-off against some of the best assassins in Europe.
Roughly, the first half of the film is spent setting up Joe and showing off his romance with Maize. For those waiting on the carnage it does feel like it takes awhile to get going. However, this approach allows us to get to know Joe, making us feel invested in the outcome of this story, particularly once the bullets and blood start flying. In recent years, Bautista has stretched his acting muscles, taking on roles that aren't just “big guy crushes skulls.” Although this seems like a return to that, Bautista also gets to try his hand at being the lead in a rom-com. He may not be the first person you think of when it comes to that genre but he and Boutella do the work to make it all feel genuine. Their cutesy chemistry makes waiting for the fighting worth it and further endears Joe to the audience.
Once the clock hits midnight, the tone shifts and The Killer's Game really gets humming with the bone-breaking spectacle you would expect from a director known for brutally fun fighting sequences. Each set piece ups the ante as do the colorful hitmen (and women) Bautista is pitted against. All these opponents come courtesy of Marianna (Pom Klementieff), another handler who doesn't have the same morals as Zvi. She loathes Joe for personal reasons and is practically giddy over the idea that he will finally die. Bautista and Klementieff have some hilarious interactions, made all the more fun if you're familiar with their characters' relationship in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
Each assassin enters the scene with some sort of flourish and garish title card. Brothers Angus (Scott Adkins) and Rory (WWE star Drew McIntyre) are Scottish brothers who get subtitles thanks to their accents. They enjoy stomping around and hitting people with motorcycles. Then there is a Korean crew led by Goyang (Lee Hoon) that looks like they just left their K-pop concert. Instead of killer dance moves they bring katanas, hidden blades, and more for the bloodletting. My personal favorite might be the flamenco fighter El Botas (Marko Zaror), who won't start fighting until the perfect song is playing through his headphones. Relatable. Once he finds his song it's over for any opponent, except Joe of course.
Perry and the stunt team put together an awesome showcase of bloody kills, giving Bautista and his foes plenty of unique locations and toys to play with. Each fight feels different and keeps everything interesting, even if some of the fights don't last long enough for me personally. The only person outside of Joe that gets any sort of arc or screen time once the carnage starts is Terry Crews' Lovedahl. He uses his size to his advantage while also maintain the likability Crews is known for. You're not really threatened by Lovedahl but he's amusing, snarky, and makes a good scene partner for Bautista.
Verdict
Ultimately, The Killer's Game is a motorcycle-kicking, impaling, bullet-spraying classic action-comedy thrill ride. The cast fully leans into the camp of their characters and the situations they find themselves in. They are having a blast and it bleeds, no pun intended, through the screen and into the audience. It may have let the romantic storyline fall aside in the back half, but The Killer's Game over delivers some good ol' fashioned 90s stunt chaos with modern day flair. If you came for Dave Bautista stomping bad guys into submission then you're in for a treat.
The Killer's Game is in theaters now. It is rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, language, some sexual material, brief drug use and nudity with a runtime of 104 minutes.
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