Review : Bullet Train : Unpretentious crime-comedy!
After #AdAstra and #TheLostCity, #BradPitt, after a couple of years, has come up with a new movie #BulletTrain which can be termed an as action thriller laced with whacky comedy. Bullet Train, which is a #Japanesehyperspeedtrain, the movie too is quick-pacy thrill ride. Based on a 2010 Kōtarō Isaka novel the train ride is a bit jerky at times. The entire movie happens in the confines of train compartments, including the high octane action. Though the ‘#TokaidoShinkansen’ (Bullet Train) makes one-minute stops on its journey, the director (#DavidLeitch) uses it to incorporate new characters or new twists. Though the fun element keeps running alongside Bullet Train, the predictable fare doesn’t totally amuse you.
A reformed agent given a nickname #Ladybug (Brad Pitt) fills in for a colleague to do a ‘job’. He is supposed to pick up a briefcase stashed in the luggage area of one of the compartments of Bullet Train starting from #Tokyo. Even though the train’s last stop is #Kyoto, he is supposed walk out the next stop the moment he gets hold of the suitcase. He does find the suitcase within few minutes of the movie but of course his journey is not supposed to be that easy. He faces hurdles in the form of British hitmen duo, Tangerine (#AaronTaylor-Johnson) and #Lemon(BrianTyreeHenry) who too are after the same suitcase. Hold on, as the the story progresses one gets to know about people of different nationalities, viz, #American, #British, #African-American, #Black-British, #Mexican, #Japanese and #Russian, are after it for different reasons. Then there’s a British teen (#JoeyKing) who has other agenda on mind. Their tracks intertwine which makes the narrative of the proceedings.
Bullet Train is fuelled with non-stop action with intermittent humour thrown in. The comic parts are entertaining as well as the action parts. The film’s strength is stylishly choreographed action. The action director has used all kinds of combats, including #Swords, #Guns, #Knives and not to forget fist fights. To top it all you have an extremely poisonous snake on board which adds to the thrill factor. The best part is the action is smartly presented in a constrained space but becomes repetitive and predictable. The length should have been curtailed a bit as you, as a viewer, want to reach Kyoto much earlier. The camera work is marvellous.
Brad Pitt pulls of Ladybug quite efficiently and his sense of humour keeps you invested in the movie. He indulges in a comedic action like Jackie Chan movies. #AaronTaylor-Johnson, #JoeyKing, #AaronTaylor-Johnson, #HiroyukiSanada and others are very good and #BrianTyree Henry is very impressive. #SandraBullock’s cameo is nice. This dark comedy though entertains, you get a feeling of wanting more. Though the #BulletTrain is not a great film it entertains in parts.
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