the killers game movie review
the killers game movie review
The Killer's Game" is a disappointing misstep in Dave Bautista's otherwise intriguing career trajectory as an actor. Directed by J.J. Perry, the film centers around Joe Flood (Bautista), a hitman who, after being diagnosed with a fatal neurodegenerative disease, decides to take out a contract on his own life. Things go awry when his doctor calls to inform him of a lab mix-up and that he’s perfectly healthy—just as the contract on his life has already gone into effect. What follows is a relentless onslaught of action sequences where Joe fends off an eclectic array of killers hired to finish the job.
Despite the promise of its concept, "The Killer's Game" struggles to deliver anything fresh or engaging. The story, based on a novel by Jay R. Bonansinga and adapted by Rand Ravich and James Coyne, treads familiar ground without offering a new take on the "hitman regrets their contract" trope. Comparisons to earlier films like "The Odd Job" (1978) and Warren Beatty’s "Bulworth" make the lack of originality even more glaring. Once the premise is established, the film quickly descends into a repetitive series of increasingly absurd fights, with Joe battling a parade of hitmen, including a K-pop assassination team and a pair of subtitle-reliant Scottish brothers.
While Bautista remains the film’s saving grace, bringing his typical intensity and commitment to the role, not even his considerable screen presence can save the movie from feeling like a dull and derivative action-comedy. His portrayal of Joe offers brief glimpses of the emotional depth and comedic timing he has displayed in films like "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Blade Runner 2049." Unfortunately, those moments are few and far between, as the film is far more interested in excessive, CGI-laden action than exploring the complexities of its protagonist.
The supporting cast, including Ben Kingsley as Joe's handler Zvi, Sofia Boutella as the love interest Maize, and Pom Klementieff as the vengeful assassin Marianna, is largely underutilized. Kingsley phones in his performance, while Boutella is reduced to playing the concerned girlfriend trope. Fans hoping for an exciting reunion between Bautista and Klementieff, after their work together in the MCU, will be disappointed by their limited screen time together.
J.J. Perry’s direction offers little to elevate the material, with the action sequences feeling more like monotonous filler than exciting set pieces. The film’s reliance on unconvincing CGI gore adds to its uninspired execution, making the gratuitous violence seem even more cartoonish and weightless.
In the end, "The Killer's Game" feels like a missed opportunity—an unoriginal and formulaic action film that squanders the talents of its cast, especially Bautista. While Bautista does his best to salvage the movie, his performance is not enough to lift it out of the realm of forgettable action fare. It’s unfortunate that a film with such a charismatic lead ends up feeling so generic and lifeless. One can only hope that Bautista’s next project will better showcase his growing range as an actor.
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