The Killer's Game

I definitely thought he was going to die, I was like no way he’s surviving all those guys. He in fact did and his wife helped. I was shocked when she shot that guy. Anyways I’m sad they didn’t show a post wedding or anything. I kinda wanted the fast forward to where they showed

Looks terrible and enjoyably stupid with a few fun moments. Haircuts were bad

Sort of predictable and kliché, but in a hilariously funny way. Great watch.

The Killer's Game throws Dave Bautista into a high-stakes scenario as Joe Flood, a hitman who, upon a terminal diagnosis, puts a hit out on himself. Directed by J. J. Perry, the film promises an action-packed thrill ride as Joe navigates an army of assassins while attempting to win back his ex-girlfriend. My initial impression was that the premise had potential for a fun, over-the-top action spectacle, but the execution often felt disjointed and underdeveloped.

Rating:
5.9/10 ⭐️ (★★½ - Average)
An average rating, as the film offers some enjoyable action sequences and a few standout performances, but is ultimately hindered by a convoluted plot and uneven pacing.

The Good:
* Narrative & Story (Strengths): The core concept of a hitman hiring assassins to kill him, only to find himself in a race against time when his ex-girlfriend becomes a target, is undeniably intriguing and provides a strong hook. It blends elements of action, dark comedy, and a touch of romance, giving it a unique flavor among similar genre films.
* Characters (Strengths): Dave Bautista delivers a solid performance as Joe Flood, bringing his usual blend of physical presence and understated charm to the role of the jaded assassin. Sofia Boutella is charismatic as Maize Arnaud, his ex-girlfriend. The supporting cast is packed with recognizable action and character actors, including Terry Crews, Scott Adkins, Pom Klementieff, and Ben Kingsley, who all bring their unique styles to their various hitman roles. Marko Zaror's "dancing hitman" Emilio 'El Botas' is particularly memorable and offers a delightful dose of quirkiness.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): J. J. Perry, with his background in stunt coordination, delivers competent action sequences. There are moments of well-choreographed fight scenes that showcase the physical talents of the cast, particularly Scott Adkins and Marko Zaror. These sequences provide the primary source of entertainment.
* Enjoyment & Engagement: When the film leans into its action and doesn't get bogged down in its more convoluted plot elements, it can be an engaging watch, especially for fans of straightforward, stunt-driven thrillers. The quirky characters and their varied methods of assassination add some welcome flavor.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): The plot, while initially promising, quickly becomes overly convoluted and difficult to follow. The motivations of some characters, particularly Marianna Antoinette (Pom Klementieff), feel underdeveloped or unclear. The shift from Joe's personal hit to a broader conspiracy, and the sudden focus on winning back his ex-girlfriend, feels tacked on and detracts from the initial, more compelling premise. The pacing can be uneven, with moments of intense action interspersed with slower, less engaging exposition.
* Characters (Weaknesses): Despite the strong cast, many characters feel underdeveloped and are essentially caricatures designed to be part of the "army of assassins." While some, like El Botas, leave an impression, others blend into the background, making it hard to invest in their individual fates. The romantic subplot between Joe and Maize feels forced and lacks genuine emotional connection.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Weaknesses): While the action choreography has its moments, the overall direction by J. J. Perry sometimes lacks the stylistic flair or creative cinematography needed to elevate the film beyond standard direct-to-video fare. The film often looks visually flat, and some scenes feel cheaply produced, detracting from the impact of the action.
* Technical Aspects (Weaknesses): The visual effects are inconsistent, and some of the smaller action beats or explosions can look unconvincing. The overall production design feels functional rather than inspired, contributing to a somewhat generic aesthetic.

The Verdict:
The Killer's Game has a fun, high-concept premise that unfortunately gets lost in its own convoluted plotting. While Dave Bautista brings his charismatic presence and the film offers some enjoyable, if occasionally unremarkable, action sequences, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The talented supporting cast, particularly the diverse roster of assassins, adds some much-needed flavor, but they can't fully compensate for a messy narrative and a lack of compelling emotional stakes. Recommended for casual fans of direct-to-video action thrillers or those looking for a quick, undemanding diversion, but don't expect a cohesive or memorable cinematic experience.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: The film attempts to blend action, thriller, and dark comedy, but the tone often feels inconsistent, struggling to decide whether to be a serious action film or a more tongue-in-cheek romp.
* Target Audience: It caters to adult audiences who enjoy action films with a high body count and a slightly quirky sensibility, especially fans of Dave Bautista and the supporting action actors.
* Originality & Innovation: While the "hitman hires himself" premise is interesting, the film quickly devolves into standard genre tropes, lacking much in the way of innovative storytelling or visual style.
* Comparison to Other Films: It shares thematic DNA with films like John Wick in its world of assassins, but The Killer's Game operates on a much smaller scale and lacks the narrative elegance and stylistic polish of that franchise. It feels more akin to a mid-tier action-comedy.

7/10

movie is cheesy crap