Salma Hayek’s R-Rated Sequel Joyfully Embraces Tropes Critics Dislike
Action comedies often struggle to find a balance between humor and excitement. In many cases, films either prioritize one over the other, leaving viewers wanting more. However, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard successfully embraces both elements, making it a standout sequela.
Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard: A Campy Action Spectacle
Released in 2021, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is a direct continuation of The Hitman’s Bodyguard. This thrilling sequel is celebrated for its relentless humor and heart-pounding action. With a remarkable body count that rivals renowned action series like John Wick, the film combines explosions and witty banter seamlessly.
Plot Overview
The narrative follows Michael Bryce, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, who is a disgraced bodyguard. Facing the consequences of a failed mission, he has lost his security license. When Sonia, played by Salma Hayek, tracks him down in Italy, she persuades him to help find her husband, infamous hitman Darius Kincaid (played by Samuel L. Jackson).
- Darius Kincaid: World-famous hitman
- Sonia: Darius’s wife, who drags Michael into the chaos
- Aristotle Papadopoulos: The corrupt Greek shipping tycoon played by Antonio Banderas
- Interpol Agent Bobby O’Neil: Portrayed by Frank Grillo
As the story unfolds, Michael becomes entrenched in a vast conspiracy involving various colorful characters, each contributing to the absurdity of the plot.
Cinematic Style and Reception
The film’s unique approach has garnered mixed reactions from critics, achieving only a 25% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences have responded more favorably, granting it a significant 79% rating. This gap highlights a classic divide: critics often view familiar tropes as stale, while casual moviegoers relish them.
Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard thrives on its commitment to genre clichés. It revels in the ridiculousness of its premise, presenting viewers with relentless action sequences interspersed with humor.
The Dynamics of the Cast
Much of the film’s charm arises from the dynamic among its characters. Michael, despite being a competent bodyguard, often finds himself humiliated by Sonia and Darius. Their relationship portrays a blend of camaraderie and chaos that entertains throughout the runtime.
With each car crash and explosion, the movie maintains an energetic pace that keeps audiences engaged. It is designed to provide an escapist romp, focusing on fun rather than convoluted storylines.
Final Thoughts
With a runtime of just 100 minutes, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard offers a compact yet explosive experience. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking an action-packed comedy that embraces its over-the-top nature.
The film is currently available for streaming on Max. If you’re a fan of high-octane sequences and laugh-out-loud moments, this sequel is worth watching.
