Matthew Sharkey
What happens when you put a bunch of assassins on the world’s fastest train? Well, things start to go off the rails. In this action-comedy, Ladybug (Brad Pitt) is tasked with a simple mission by his handler Maria Beetle (Sandra Bullock), after a fellow agent calls in sick. We follow Pitt’s character as he tries to secure a briefcase and get off the train as fast as possible. Of course, the mission isn’t as simple as it seems as he ends up on a train with assassins from around the world with connected but separate objectives.
This film has an incredible cast, but multiple actors stand out among the crowd; these include Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Lemon & Brian Three Henry as Tangerine. They both have fantastic chemistry, and you believe their connection. Both actors also give great performances in the action scenes, which isn’t hard to believe, as both have portrayed superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Joey King gives a fantastic performance as The Prince. King gives one of the funniest performances in the entire film, and her character stands out among the crowd of actors.
Brad Pitt unsurprisingly gives an exceptional comedic & action performance; this world-renowned actor portrays a different side to assassins that we haven’t seen in film or tv before. His character doesn’t carry a gun and tries to talk down attackers, but this doesn’t work even once. He may be this film’s main character, but the whole film isn’t about him. It spends ample time building up each character’s backstory and rarely feels like it rushes through them.
It was a fantastic idea to have music covers in both English and Japanese with Holding Out for A Hero & Stayin’ Alive being exceptional standouts. The best part of this film is the action scenes which are especially unique because of the train setting. The film is directed by David Leitch, who has also directed action films such as Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2 and Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw. This is shown throughout the film. The action has similarities to the action scenes in Deadpool 2, from the fight choreography to the use of slow motion. Leitch is new to directing, but I cannot wait to see what he does next.
Overall, this is a fantastic film, and the story is interesting as it never has a dull moment. It’s full of hilarious jokes, and none are cringy or forced. The music & visual effects are fantastic. This film is a must-see for action, comedy, or Brad Pitt fans. I highly suggest you see Bullet Train.
Meath South East News 