Dark Humor Meets Darker Deeds

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Killer's Game
–

Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 44m
Director(s): J.J. Perry
Writer(s): Rand Ravich, James Coyne, Jay Bonansinga
Cast: Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, Pom Klementieff, Ben Kingsley, Scott Adkins, Andrew Galloway, Shaina West
Where To Watch: available now on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, and DVD on November 19 from Lionsgate; order your copy here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE KILLER'S GAME is an intense experience that blends action, comedy, and romance. Its journey begins with Dave Bautista as Joe Flood, a hitman caught between his lethal profession and an unexpected romantic entanglement. While the film ambitiously tries to weave these elements into a seamless narrative, it faces challenges in achieving a harmonious balance, resulting in a somewhat disjointed but thrilling experience.

Flood's real adventure begins during a performance in a Budapest theater. His mission showcases his deadly skills and unwittingly leads him to Maize (Sofia Boutella,) a prima ballerina. This accidental meeting during a mission gone chaotic sparks an unconventional romance that starkly contrasts with his career. As Joe traverses the globe for his assignments, his relationship with Maize evolves, providing emotional depth amidst his professional turmoil.

The film takes a comedic yet dark turn when Joe, grappling with what he believes to be a terminal illness, decides to secure Maize's financial future by placing a bounty on his own life. This plot twist plunges THE KILLER'S GAME into a maelstrom of action as various assassins attempt to cash in. However, the revelation of Joe's misdiagnosis injects irony and a renewed sense of urgency into the narrative, although the momentum sometimes wanes under the weight of predictable action scenes.

Under the direction of J.J. Perry, the action sequences are crafted with a flair that highlights Bautista's physical prowess. The film's tonal shifts are abrupt, with intense combat scenes intercut with tender moments between Joe and Maize. The dialogue, intended to deepen their connection, sometimes felt out of place and needed a tad more spark to make their relationship feel authentic. Despite this, Bautista delivers a commendable performance, showing a vulnerability that transcends his usual roles. Boutella, as Maize, brings grace and resilience to her character, though she is often relegated to the typical love interest role.

Supporting roles from Ben Kingsley and Pom Klementieff add layers to the experience, with Kingsley playing the wise mentor Zvi and Klementieff as Marianna, the antagonist driven by personal revenge. While their performances are strong, their characters could have been further developed to enhance the story's complexity.

The film’s pacing feels a little uneven, with a lengthy setup in the first act and a rushed conclusion that glosses over crucial plot developments. This pacing issue undermines the build-up of suspense and dilutes the impact of key scenes, making the climax feel less compelling than it might have been.

Despite its flaws, THE KILLER'S GAME has its strengths. Bautista anchors the film, blending his natural charisma with the film’s varied tones. The humor, although inconsistent, is most evident in the depiction of the eclectic assassins, whose unique quirks provide some of the film's most memorable moments.

THE KILLER'S GAME is an audacious attempt at genre fusion that doesn’t quite hit its mark but offers enough entertainment to satisfy fans of action-packed comedies and those who appreciate Bautista’s versatility. While it may not be a seamless blend of its ambitious components, it remains a noteworthy attempt that showcases the potential for more nuanced storytelling in future projects.

4K UHD/BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:
Meet Joe Flood
The Conductor
World of Assassins
Killed It!
Theatrical Trailer

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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