Movie: bullet train
Bullet Train cast: Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Kojic, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Benito A Martinez Ocasio, Zazie Beetz, Logan Lerman, Sandra Bullock
Bullet Train Director: David Leitch
Where to watch: in theaters
Review by: Russel D’Silvac
Action movies in which many of the events take place within a single mode of transport are not new, but the speed with which they have a lasting impact is certainly rare. Speed, Con Air, Air Force One are the most memorable movies that come to mind (we’re sticking to pure action movies here, so classics like Flightplan, Neerja and Executive Decision don’t count).
When it comes to trains, Von Ryan’s Express and Runaway Train compete, but they were created decades ago and haven’t really been one to blow your socks off since, with Under Siege 2 and The Commuter being the closest. Well, finally, Brad Pitt and David Leitch come together to deliver a locomotive ride for all ages with Bullet Train. So, are you excited about what to watch this weekend or this week and wondering if Bullet Train is worth your time? Scroll down for my full Bullet Train Movie Review…
What is it about
Assassin cum troubleshooter Ladybug (Brad Pitt) hops on a bullet train Tokyo to Morioka for what appears to be a simple pick up job, only to find the train full of other diverse assassins, each with individual agendas intertwined with a common goal.
Watch the Bullet Train Trailer below:
what’s hot
The possibilities of action and stunts are endless in a setting like the one presented in Bullet Train, but getting them done with novelty and breakneck speed and keeping things fresh and interesting requires execution of the highest caliber, what director David Leitch achieves with razor-sharp execution and not the slightest bit of finesse. Adding a compelling plot with dollops of dark humor and doing justice to all of your characters, while also interluding the story with non-linear flashbacks for all, might be a bit too much to ask if you’re getting a high-octane movie at all, but if it’s your lucky day, let the gifts come, and boy do it Zak Olkewicz‘s screenplay and Leitch’s direction are plentiful.
With the talent Leitch exhibits, from John Wick and Atomic Blonde to Hobbs & Shaw and now this, the former stunt coordinator turned director, he’s certainly cemented his place as someone to watch out for with a bright cinematic journey ahead. Jonathan Selacthe camera work, Dominic Lewis‘ background score, the VFX, color tone, costumes and production design are all top notch to put the icing on the cake to a rich, creamy cake, and we have to think for a second how well, or rather how airy and effortless all performances, and kudos to Brad Pitt for letting everyone have their moment in the sun, no matter how big or small, allowing the film to thrive as a spectacular ensemble ride rather than a star-powered cruise, which in this particular case was the need of the hour .
What not
The only flaws here are that Elisabet Ronaldsdottir’s could have been sharper, a few intermediate flashbacks could have been shorter, and the overall duration could have been shortened by 10-15 minutes.
BL verdict
Brilliantly scripted, sharply directed by Deadpool 2 and John Wick’s David Leitch, and with breakneck action and adrenaline-pumping stunts – Bullet Train is that rare kind of action movie that exploits its unique setting for optimal effect, making up for the high-octane moments with generous portions of dark humor, a compelling plot, clever clues that come out later, and characters with real flesh and backstories that stay with you for a long time. Don’t miss this instant Brad Pitt Train classic at all costs. I’m going for 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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