The Killer's Game

When I saw the trailer for this thing my immediate thought was: "This looks really stupid... but, it might be MY KIND of stupid." And boy, was I right on the money! I take a risk on movies like this from time to time, fully expecting that I'm either going to love it or hate it. Cocaine Bear, for example, I freakin hated. This movie? I had a fantastic time from start to finish.

It's fun, it's action packed, it doesn't waste time. If you haven't seen the trailer, I wouldn't even watch it, because you'll probably enjoy it even more going in blind. It's a stylish, over the top action thriller with a script that got me to genuinely LOL a few times. That's a rare enough thing.

It's also Dave Bautista's first outing as a leading man. He's proven himself a competent performer in the Dune films and a few other supporting roles. I wouldn't call him a great actor, but he's a hell of a lot better than The Rock is ever going to be.

Sadly, The Killer's Game is getting no traction at the box office. Want another reason to support it? It's exactly the kind of mid-budget movie that barely exists anymore. A 30 million dollar risk on something that's not a sequel or established IP. Those are precisely the kind of films that deserve your money, especially if you're tired of the bleak, planned universe dystopia and rehash mill our theaters have become.

This is, frankly, the summer movie more people should've seen instead of Deadpool & Wolverine. If you like cheesy, fun, action fare like "Shoot Em Up" And "Bullet Train", you should definitely give The Killer's Game a watch.

I do have to get it out of the way now, yes this movie is very much inspired by the John Wick films. However, this film is definitely more fun and comedic. I was genuinely surprised by the chemistry between characters, it felt believable. The action was over the top, the film definitely feels almost like a comic. Its very fun and genuinely creative with it's action. I'm already seeing low reviews, but I feel like people are taking the film too serIously. This film knows exactly what it is, it isn't pretentious.

Also it's the perfect run time, bring back movies that aren't needlessly 3 hours. Thank you.

The Killer's Game delivers straightforward action with enough entertainment to keep you watching, though it's nothing revolutionary. The fight scenes are decent, but not on par with the gold standard that is John Wick. The cast of quirky assassins that span the world add some fun, almost like they're from Street Fighter just with less depth. Dave Bautista does his usual tough-guy routine, and while he's good, it's familiar territory for him.

The concept-an assassin accidentally putting a hit on himself due to a medical mistake-is unique, but the execution is predictable. There are laughs and a few solid action moments, but nothing that really stands out.

Overall, it's a fun and gory film that's enjoyable if you're looking for an easy, action-filled watch. Just don't expect it to leave a lasting impression.

I was expecting that JJ Perry having been in the army would actually know something about how weapons work, especially fragmentation grenades, but I was sadly disappointed. Also, as a stunt guy, I was thinking he could come up with cool but realistic stunts. But again, the stunts were contrived and defied physics.

I loved Bautista in GotG, Drax had depth, where Joe, an assassin, was BORING and predictable. Sofia's acting is a step up from David's, but still was a low for her. Again, this could have been the result of really poor directing.

Ben Kingsley and Alex Kingston consummate professionals that don't need a director, performed excellently. They accounted for a star by themselves.

Good concept bumbled by a over reaching stunt man.

It's not a great movie in the sense of story and ground breaking.

What it is it's an awesome action movie that makes up for story by giving the audience what they want... unadulterated violence that is both creative and fun. The movie is surprisingly funny where it makes up for the story itself.

The cast is just amazing. With each character, no matter small, is interesting. If the movie has more success, it would be absolutely amazing to see each character get their own movies.

Again, it's not going to garner Oscars or serious discussion but if you want to be entertained this movie will check all the boxes.