Brad Pitt rarely letting his audience down with his movie choices is a major reason I watched director David Leitch’s latest, Bullet Train.
Also starring Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry and Sandra Bullock; the story of five assassins aboard a fast-moving bullet train proved too intriguing to resist. You can therefore imagine my disappointment when I realised that Leitch’s movie was not going to deliver.
Despite some funny scenes, a handful of visually beautiful shots and camera angles, the story edit left me desperately wanting. I found the pace slow, tedious and inadequately engaging.
The dialogue between Taylor-Johnson and Bryan Tyree Henry’s characters is the thing that made me realise the inspiration that seems to have come from Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino’s best work. Unfortunately, however, the film does not work as well as those classic examples of filmmaking excellence. And finding myself not liking much of the music featured only made matters worse.
Despite my obvious disappointment, I do have a couple of highlights to point out. Firstly, every scene with Hiroyuki Sanada as The Elder. Second, Joey King’s character, even though she isn’t particularly likeable. There’s also Channing Tatum; what a welcome addition he proved to be. Lastly, Brad Pitt. He is always good, right? It’s the script and overall execution that let everyone down.
Even after all the above, if you still find yourself super curious about Bullet Train, watch it. There’s always a chance you’ll have more fun than I could.
Happy Film Loving
G
The Movie My Life 
Gia, read this review by Keith: https://keithandthemovies.com/2022/08/05/review-bullet-train-2022/ Also, in the comments, Keith says, “I do wonder if the director David Leitch called in a favor. He and Pitt have a close relationship. He was Pitts stunt man for a total of five movies. Maybe that’s why.”
That really does make a lot of sense. And just now I remembered that Pitt has worked with both Tarantino and Guy Ritchie. As such, he knows what a great film of a similar type to this one looks like.
More and more, that ‘calling in a favour’ theory sounds increasingly likely. Still, I’m not sure how much this will hurt Pitt’s career. Especially if Hollywood comes up with the same favour theory and forgives him. 😁 I feel like I’ve already forgiven him myself. He is Monsieur Pitt, after all. 🤩
I love your comment. Did you see the one with Pitt, Channing Tatum, and Sandra Bullock? I liked him in that but it was as close to a cameo as one can get without being called a role. You also reminded me of Robert Rodriguez, who worked with Tarantino on a couple of movies at least. It’s been a long while since seeing anything he’s done. Now I need to go to imdb to see what I’ve missed (if anything.)
Thank you. 😊 I enjoyed Pitt very much in The Lost City. I was so sad when I realised it was his character’s last scene.
I also just now realised that all three actors are also in Bullet Train. 😁
Regarding a Robert Rodriguez film you may have missed, the only one I remember that he did recently is Alita: Battle Angel (2019). I haven’t seen it myself but I did hear some good things.
Sandra Bullock is in Bullet Train also??? Cool. I saw Alita… when it came out and remember liking it. Maybe didn’t realize it was Rodriguez….
That gave me a good giggle. 😁 Thank you. Yes, the lovely Sandy. B is in Bullet Train. She is the voice in Pitt’s ear who tells his character to ‘take the gun’ at the beginning. We get to see her fully at the very end.
Also, Thanks for sharing the review 🤓👍
You’re welcome. Keith writes great reviews!
Oh no, I had such high hopes!
Very much like many of us. Something tells me that Pitt’s next film, whatever it is will help us forget about this misstep. I can’t wait! 🤓🤞
I do like the idea of Joey King’s character not being super likable. I missed this one in theaters but it’s hitting digital soon so it seems like a good one for a Sunday afternoon watch 🙂
Sometimes all we need is one thing to hook us in enough to get us to watch something. I’m sure there’s at least one element you’ll enjoy. And yes, a lazy Sunday afternoon sounds about right. 🤓👍
I wasn’t as impressed w/ this one either, though I like the Taylor-Johnson and Bryan Tyree Henry duo + Pitt having a lot of fun here. It’s crazy how there is so much going on but yet it feels kinda tedious.
So true about plenty going on yet little of it is adequately arresting. I’m sure everyone involved will make it up to us with their next projects. 😁🙏
I’m also up for hearing other takes on films. I guess in many ways it depends what you’re into – I thought his was pretty classic Leitch and exactly what I’d want. Anyway, I did have a lot more fun with it – if you’ll indulge it, here’s my review.