Much like Lynchian affairs, David Leitch‘s latest feature appears to pull on every string from their short, but successful, Directorial career.
Casting Brad Pitt into a film which moves them between the realms of John Wick meets Rusty from The Ocean’s Trilogy, it is a loaded package of incidental payoffs over the course of 2 hours.
Ladybug (Pitt) is unlucky. After a run of jobs gone wrong, they return with new philosophies and hope for a quick and easy job. But like we just said, they’re unlucky. Adapted from Kotaro Isaka‘s novel Maria Beetle, Bullet Train shares all the beats of its namesake with Western flourish. Big name leads and bigger Asian talent (thanks to Hiroyuki Sanada and Andrew Koji‘s involvement) makes for a fun romp along the proverbial bullet train.
And you can tune your brain out if you want.
It’s fun and requires as much attention as you want to give it. Leitch knows how to have fun with the action they want to portray. And they do this in ways where even if you’re not present, you’re going to have a fun time. And the aforementioned payoffs, all payoff with them even running into the credits.
While there’s nothing outlandishly bad about it, there’s some strange “are they in the same scene?” shots and a wonder if the 2 hours was needed. But if you felt satisfied by the trailer, then the film should do exactly the same.
LOOK OUT FOR THE DIESELS!
Cause this film is all about Thomas & Friends.
It's a treat to write about a no-nonsense feature. Leitch knows exactly what they're doing with Bullet Train and the source material made it as easy as a tangerine to navigate their way through.
If you wanna see it, see it. If you don't, don't. Easy. Just like watching Bullet Train.