For many big-screen extravaganzas, audiences and critics are often on opposing sides when it comes to the quality and entertainment factor of films. Such was the case in 2017 whenRyan ReynoldsandSamuel L. Jacksonjoined forces for the action-packed comedyThe Hitman’s Bodyguard, which was a stud at the box office and a dud with critics.
In the explosive flick, Reynolds portrays a prominent private bodyguard whose career tanks following a botched job, though he is given a chance at redemption when he’s hired to protect a notorious hitman testifying in a high-profile case. Naturally, chaos and hilarity ensue as the unlikely duo are forced to team up to complete the dangerous mission. Though the film raked in over $183 million at the box office, critics gaveTheHitman’s Bodyguardjust a 44% Rotten Tomatoes score; let’s look back at the polarizing comedy.
Reynolds & Jackson Make Some Major Movie Magic
Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson became the epic duo we didn’t know we needed when they headlined the uproarious 2017 action comedyThe Hitman’s Bodyguard,with the two Hollywood heavy hitters appearing as the ultimate odd couple in the exciting flick. After falling from grace when one of his high-profile clients is assassinated, the highly-skilled private bodyguard Michael Bryce (Reynolds) sees a chance at redemption when he is called upon to take on the most important client of his career: his arch nemesisand infamous hitmanDarius Kincaid (Jackson).
When Bryce realizes that Kincaid is the reason for his spectacular downfall, he must put aside his resentment towards the notorious criminal and get him to safety so that he can testify against dictator and terrorist Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman). Naturally, the perpetually sparring pair must learn to get along with one another and find themselves on the journey of a lifetime as they travel from England to the Hague, facing threats of every shape and size and hilariously bickering every step along the way.
17 of the Best Action Comedies, Ranked
The past couple of decades have seen a rise in dark humor and violence on-screen, which have combined to create some phenomenal action comedies.
‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’ Dazzles Audience But Flops with Critics
What more could you possibly want from abig-budget screwball comedythan the sidesplitting antics of Reynolds and Jackson? The talented stars spent the entirety of the movie hilariously bantering and insulting one another, with the pair’s effortless chemistry as the foul-mouthed mercenaries keeping audiences entertained from beginning to end.Seeing the sharp-tongued actors masterfully play off each other and have genuine fun in every scene madeThe Hitman’s Bodyguarda true treat for moviegoers, even if critics didn’t agree.
Outside the endlessly raunchy humor featured in the flick, the explosive action sequences, thrilling car chases, and all-star ensemble (Salma Hayek makesa very memorable appearanceas Jackson’s equally fiery wife) all helped elevate the comedy and delighted fans, who were in agreement that it was the ultimate popcorn movie and one heck of a way to spend an hour-and-a-half.Audiences gaveThe Hitman’s Bodyguarda solid 67% Popcornmeter and 6.9 IMDb user rating, a stark contrast to the 44% Rotten Tomatoes score critics awarded it.
10 Best Buddy Cop Duos, Ranked
Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a ride through the best buddy cop duos to have ever graced the screen.
Many reviews praised the winning on-screen camaraderie between Reynolds and Jackson and all the sensational action and stunts butwere unimpressed with what they felt was a clichéd storyline and generic execution. Nonetheless,The Hitman’s Bodyguardwent on to gross an impressive $183.4 million at the box office and its popularity ultimately led to the 2021 follow-upHitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,which ultimately failed to match the success of its predecessor and grossed less than half of the original knockout.
Let’s face it, audiences don’t always think critics get it right when it comes to assessing some of their favorite movies, and more often than not the two parties butt heads when it comes tothese polarizing releases.The Hitman’s Bodyguardreaffirms this fact as both Reynolds and Jackson helped sell tickets and delivered their signature brand of wise-cracking humor that we have come to know and love, and while it may not be some Oscar-worthy film, the comedy provides rip-roaring entertainment that fans can appreciate.
StreamThe Hitman’s BodyguardonNetflix.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard
