Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard [Blu-ray Combo]
(Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Antonio Banderas, Morgan Freeman, et al / Blu-ray + DVD + Digital / R / 2021 / Lionsgate Home Entertainment)
Overview: In he Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), hitman Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) and his wife Sonia (Salma Hayek) are back as the mismatched, high-octane trio, that are once again forced together into another life-threatening mission to save Europe from a vengeful and powerful zealot (Antonio Banderas).
Blu-ray Verdict: In truth, the Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is a good action comedy film that may have less laughs than the first movie, but is still chock full of fun and so action packed that makes it an entertaining summer blockbuster film of the highest order!
What worked? The film is very fast moving. So fast moving that it skips out any story development like an introduction to Antonio Banderas villain character! And his agenda of causing destruction!
But then having Ryan Reynolds Michael Bryce character going on sabbatical to help face up to, and ultimately accept that he is close to losing his bodyguard license seems a little left of center.
And then we get Salma Hayek’s character showing up with bad guys in almost every scene! Chasing them and leading them into shoot outs all whilst she just wants to save her husband (Samuel L. Jackson). Next thing you know they are chasing a device that the bad guy wants and have to come together, peacefully, to help save the world!
So yeah, it is beyond action packed with lots of shoot outs, bike and car chases and oh-so many fight scenes that it is totally entertaining from start to finish.
Indeed, for my money the film tries to be bigger than the first with lots more going on with plot. It even has an Interpol agent played by Frank Grillo who was very much underused in the film, in my humble opinion.
It may not have many laughs or overall veins of humor than the first, but it still was a lot of fun on screen with the cast ensemble, that’s for sure.
I mean, come on now, seeing Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Selma Hayek nitpick at each other throughout, about family, relationships, past trauma and so much more (especially in the scene when she is driving the car!) is just to die for (if you will pardon the expression here!)
As for Antonio Banderas, well, sure, he does play a good villain, but he is also made up (appearance wise, especially the hair) a little cartoonish for my liking!
Anyway, so, overall, what worked best? The overall plot may be forgettable and doesn’t even need to be looked into too hard, but when you get heavily veiled support characters played by the likes of Morgan Freeman, well, you know your movie has some mighty fine gravitas! This is a Widescreen Presentation (2.40:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:
• “Ryan, Sam, Salma: One F’d Up Family” Featurette
• “Gone Soft: The New Michael Bryce” Featurette
• “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard: #stuntlife” Featurette
• “On the Set of Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” Featurette
• Gag Reel
• Theatrical Trailers
Join the mayhem on Digital July 23rd, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, & On Demand August 17th, 2021 from Lionsgate®.
The 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD of The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard will be available for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99, and $29.96, respectively.
Official Trailer
Bloopers [Official Video]
The Stunts [Official Video]
Official Website
www.LGF.com