Comedy of satire: The new comedy of satire Bullet TrainIt took quite a while to get there. Based on the novel by Kōtarō Isaka, which was published in Japan with the title Maria BeetleIn October 2020, David Leitch’s movie went into production. That means there’s been a lot of excitement building for this blockbuster, with Bullet Train An A-list castThis includes Brad Pitt and Zazie Beetz, Brian Tyree Henry (Sandra Bullock), Lady Gaga, and many others. With the release finally upon us, let’s take a look at what critics are saying about the film.
When CinemaCon attendees had a long look at Bullet Train, they were wowed by the action sequences, and — as we saw from the exchange between Brad Pitt and Brian Tyree Henry in this trailer — this movie promises to bring the laughs as well. Let’s get into the reviews, starting with CinemaBlend’s review of Bullet Train. Eric Eisenberg gives the movie 3.5 stars. He says that Brad Pitt’s role as Ladybug is a joy to watch. Although it is chaotic at times, the movie’s story ends up being a fun puzzle.
Bullet Train doesn’t aim to revolutionize hitman movies, but instead plays with a tongue-in-cheek vibe that lets you recognize the tropes and appreciate how the film plays with them. It’s a slick/goofy action movie that is both contained and wild, and a satisfying late summer release.
Peter Debruge VarietyAlthough the movie attempts to imitate Quentin Tarantino, it is still enjoyable. Both Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are charming as Tangerine (and Lemon), respectively. The fight scenes can also be appreciated for their choreography.
The fight scenes are original and impressive considering the number of creative filmmakers trying to make a name for themselves in this genre. Leitch tends to approach these standoffs the way Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire once did their dance numbers: The violence needn’t be taken literally (which is tough at times, considering how brutal the bloodshed can be), but rather appreciated mostly for their choreography and capacity to surprise.
Paul Bradshaw NMEIt gets an average rating of 3 out 5 stars. This is because Brad Pitt drives this action movie, and the other assassins on board struggle to keep up. It’s a fun ride, but not as fun as it thinks it is, this critic says:
Bullet Train loses momentum as the twists keep coming and more celebrities keep appearing. Bullet Train crashes headlong into a messy CGI ending and then backtracks over all the obvious reveals, it runs out of steam before it stops moving. On the other hand, it’s almost impossible not to enjoy every moment that Pitt is on screen. Stealing the film with whatever he’s given (a water bottle, a bucket hat, an automatic toilet…), he’s clearly having a great time. It’s lucky for us that at least some of it rubs off.
Mention of the movie going “off the rails”Reviews for a movie about trains are to be expected. However, Deadline’s Pete Hammond argues Bullet Train was never on the rails to begin with, saying the movie is so wild it’s basically a live-action animation:
None of the characters, Pitt’s included, remotely resembles actual human beings but they give it the old college try. However, movies work best when their characters are able to relate to living people. This one doesn’t seem to care one whit, going for laughs instead. Aside from the star whose natural charisma carries him through as well as his too often underused comedic talents , it is Henry who is the most watchable even if his Lemon must profess allegiance to a children’s book Thomas The Tank Engine as his guide to life.
David Ehrlich of IndieWire grades the movie a C, agreeing with other critics that while the movie itself isn’t great, Brad Pitt’s joy is radiant enough to convince viewers they’re having fun too. Review:
Bullet Train may be going nowhere fast, but Pitt always seems like he’s already there, safe in the knowledge that we’ll happily watch him smile through all the chaos that crashes around him (including two standout cameos, one which nails an actor’s star power, and another which completely misapprehends it). Pitt’s stardom has never been more obvious, and it shines bright enough here for everything else to get lost in the glare.
This movie is a must-see this summer. You can see it in theaters starting Friday, August 5. Check out the trailer. What else do we know? Bullet TrainAs well as other Brad PItt has upcoming projects. Check out our website to plan your next theater trip. 2022 Movie Release DateCheck out the latest news to find out what else is coming.