Bullet Train

Based on the book of the same name, written by Kōtarō Isaka. The art cover and title font on Netflix wasn’t very appealing, so this was scrolled on many times over. At first it seemed like the usual who-killed-who scenario on a confined space, actually it really was that, but they did a very wonderful job of making it as exciting as it was. Directed by David Leitch, who also did Deadpool films, Atomic Blonde, The Fall Guy and co-directed John Wick (2014), just some of the previous blockbuster films we’ve all known and loved.

This was a bit different, because of how he incorporated comedy and action together, it blended so well. The comedy was smooth and not like forcing-down-your-throat, it was actually funny. I also love how they were able to fit the entire film on a train.

Characters

• Having Brad Pitt here gave this film an automatic credential of being a good film. I don’t think I have watched any bad films of Pitt, or maybe I’m not just aware of it. He wears this bucket hat, much like “The Killer” starring Michael Fasbender. Pitt’s character doesn’t have the job of doing the actual killings, he’s more like a chameleon, blending into society and getting some chore jobs done, unfortunately for him, he has this curse around him that certain people just die, and that was entertaining how they made it so. His performance was great, as usual.
• The characters Lemon and Tangerine, supposed brothers, were funny as hell, its like Dumb and Dumber, but are hired assassins and are professionals, just had some bad luck throughout the entire film. Both actors were commendable and had the best chemistry.
• Prince, played by Joey King, was a teenage girl assassin, dressed like a London school girl, but have many hired henchmen. She believes that she had planned and played everything, and that everything was going according to her plan, but then Pitt’s luck was against her. She was the daughter of the main antagonist.
• The White Death, who was played by Michael Shannon, it was a bit of a surprise actually, because all this time I thought that the White Death was an Asian actor. All his henchmen were Asian triad-looking gang members, and here’s a Russian-speaking white dude who holds all the power. The actor didn’t quite fit the look and it ended up looking like a parody of sorts. Regardless of how serious his whole appearance was.
• The Hornet, played by Zazie Beets, had a short appearance on the train and was funny as hell, specially where she and Pitt had an altercation which ultimately ended her role in the film. That short action scene exchange between them was beautifully choreograph that its the one that I consider the film’s highlight.

Surprise appearances in bullet train were definitely a treat. Sandra Bullock, who we’ve heard the voice since the start of the film, but it didn’t register with me that it was her. Ryan Reynolds’ highlight 5-second appearance was funny, because his on-screen personality throughout his career span was an annoying good looking dude, and his part here was just that. I also love how they were able to get Hiroyuki Sanada, I think his character was the only one who was serious, and rightfully so.

Conclusion

This was a fun family film set inside a bullet train, maybe not for the younger kids because there were many killings involved, but still very hilarious. Don’t expect a John Wick kind of action film as this is very comedic mixed with a lot of dark humor. Highly recommended.