What happens when several assassins board the world’s fastest moving train for connected missions?
Well, first and foremost, you get Brad Pitt wearing a bucket hat spewing fortune cookie-like wisdom — a gift that keeps on giving, in my opinion. But you also get a high octane, fast-paced, action-packed, and surprisingly witty romp starring a fantastic ensemble. In essence, Bullet Train is a wildly entertaining ride for the summer.
For what it’s worth, Bullet Train is ambitious for a summer film. It dares to be different with highly stylized filming and colorful characters. But it tries to do a LOT during its runtime, resulting in a very jumbled narrative with disconnected characters.
Despite its flaws, once you adapt to Bullet Train’s frantic pacing, nonstop action, and insane references to Thomas the Tank Engine, its a fun ride.
And it’s hard to hate on anything Brad Pitt is clearly having a blast in. Pitt won his Oscar in 2020, and he’s just been having a ball in everything since. And I love this for him. Pitt isn’t the only star having a blast on Bullet Train.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry play the most delightful duo of “twin” assassins the world has ever seen. The two are downright hilarious together, becoming the only characters I felt connected to during the entire film. Brian Tyree Henry continues to shine brightly in every project he is in, continuing to prove that no matter what the genre or role, he’s a massive talent.
Our summers are always jam-packed with superheroes and franchises. So I am always going to root for an original narrative, even if it isn’t perfection. If you have an afternoon or evening where you want to escape the heat and turn off your brain, go for it. Take the ride.
Final Thoughts: It may not be the best, but everyone deserves a mindless joyride on the Bullet Train especially with Brad Pitt.
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