Movie Show review: ‘The Killer’s Game’ is a fine line between comedy and carnage
Sep 12, 2024, 2:00 PM
KSL Movie Show host says 'The Killer's Game' is full of action comedic violence.
Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.
SALT LAKE CITY — I think we can all agree, Dave Bautista is a big fella. His “Drax” in Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy was a massive thing of legends. He will always be remembered for that – but sadly that’s over – time to move on.
Recently, he’s done some cute stuff with kids, but with his enormous stature, you’d think he’d move into more physical roles. Well, wait no more. He’s arrived to tail-kicking town.
He plays an accomplished hitman, Joe Flood, who is growing a bit weary of his murderous profession, even though he follows the assassin’s code – only taking out vicious bad guys who deserve to be dispatched.
But out of nowhere, he falls in love with an in-distress ballerina in Budapest, which is about to change his life forever – or at least for the next few days.
As karma would have it, Joe is having massive headaches, which forces him to consult his soon-to-be-fired doctor, who says unfortunately Joe has an incurable disease. He has three months to live.
Well, like any rational human being, he decides to immediately take out a hit on himself, to take effect at midnight.
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He’s putting up two million dollars of his own money, says we’re breaking up to his cute ballet girlfriend (Sofia Boutella) who is heartbroken, but rather than tell her the truth, he crushes her, but bequeaths her a sizable fortune and prepares for the onslaught of killer well-wishers.
Dude, I think you really messed this up. But now for the big uh-oh.
Doctor’s call – “Hey Joe, funny story, but we MIXED UP YOUR LAB WORK, you don’t have an incurable disease.” No worries. He can just call off the contract. In fact, they can even keep the money. His bad. No harm; no foul.
Sorry. Can’t do that. Everybody’s coming. Get ready.
Let the blood bath begin.
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So, remember how we talked about Mr. Bautista getting more physical? Get ready for massive maimage now, little talk later. All attempts to rein in the action are thwarted. If you like action comedic violence, here you go.
I’m not sure that was the best move, but it’s where the filmmakers decided to take this story, asking Dave Bautista to walk a fine line between comedy and carnage. That could be tough to take. Your call.
THE KILLER’S GAME (B-) Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, language, some sexual material, brief drug use and nudity. Starring Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, Pom Klementieff, Terry Crews and Ben Kingsley. Directed by J.J. Perry (“Afterburner” “Day Shift”) – filmed in Budapest, Hungary. Running time: 104 minutes.
