Samuel L. Jackson got my attention as a kid when I watched him play the part of a robber in Coming To America and I found the scene very funny because he was brought down with a mopstick! The next time I would see this movie icon was in the legal drama, A Time to Kill and since then, I've always looked forward to seeing him on my screen.
Once I saw this week's CineTV Contest, I knew I had to participate so I can rave about one of my favourite actors.
Samuel L. Jackson is one of the best actors of our time and I'm not surprised that he's named as one of the richest. In all his movies (except when the script isn't well written), he embodies his character so impressively that you'll almost believe he's that person in real life. An actor who does that and evokes strong reactions (good or bad) from the audience is par excellence, in my opinion.
I've seen this actor in action as a detective, mentally unstable person, a master spy in charge of S.H.I.E.L.D., a racist plantation manager, a serial killer, a bounty hunter, a shapeshifter, a hitman and many more. Most often, he plays the villain role and does it so well. I enjoyed seeing him play the protagonist/leadership role as a master spy in The Avengers films but he didn't get more action-packed scenes like he would if he was the villain.
One of my favourite films featuring Samuel L. Jackson is an action comedy. The day I saw The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017), I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt. What makes this movie standout for me is that it also features another of my favourites, Ryan Reynolds. Once I saw the trailer and saw these two actors in it, I knew it was going to be a delightful rollercoaster of laughs, action and fun.
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The movie turned out better than I expected. Isn't it an irony that a cold and calculating hitman would need the services of a private bodyguard to thwart the schemes of a wicked dictator?
Jackson plays the role of a hitman under FBI's strict protection, scheduled to testify at the International Criminal Court against a wicked dictator who had killed many people. His life is in danger and the only person capable of ensuring his safe arrival at the court is a private bodyguard, Michael Bryce (played by Ryan Reynolds).
The plot of this film connects these two main characters together even before they meet face to face. There's a lurking malice between them but circumstances of the job force them to let go of the past and work together. After all, their lives are on the line. Their bromance is the best I've seen so far in a movie. I wasn't surprised when the filmmakers pursued and released a sequel, Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard (2021).
Singly, Jackson and Reynolds are hilarious. Now imagine putting the two of them together in a movie. Their roles in this film complement each other well. Jackson is smart, intelligent and fast as a ruthless hitman should be. And he's also good with guns. Reynolds, on the other hand, is smart too but there are times he can't get past Jackson's character.
The scene I find most hilarious is where Jackson gets into their getaway car and tells Reynolds to put on his seatbelt but he doesn't. They're arguing and get into a car chase. Along the way, Jackson stops abruptly and Reynolds literally flies out through the windscreen to the ground! I'm not sure if that's realistic but it's absolutely rib-cracking.
I enjoy how they pull together their resources, intelligence and experience to overcome every hurdle that the wicked dictator placed on their paths to ensure they don't make it to The Hague and there's no incriminating testimony against him. The ending scene is captivating and action packed! I applaud Jackson's performance in it. His character change is impressive. He goes from being an unfeeling, reckless hitman who dislikes Reynolds’ character to an understanding and almost empathic person who befriends him.
The Hitman's Bodyguard is a delightful and action-packed movie that is worth watching. However due to language and violence, children aren't allowed to see it. If you've seen this film, let me know your thoughts on it.
This is my entry to the Cine TV Contest #92 — Favorite Samuel L. Jackson Movie. You're invited to participate.
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Images are screenshots from the trailer linked from YouTube
Posted using CineTV
