Based on the novel “Maria Beetle” by author Kōtarō Isaka, “Bullet Train” is a darkly comedic action thriller about a hapless assassin whose simple mission is to retrieve a briefcase. That mission is quickly derailed, however, by a train full of highly trained killers all pursuing their own agendas. Directed by David Leitch of “John Wick” and written by Zak Olkewicz, the film stars Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Joey King and Michael Shannon.
“Bullet Train” follows Pitt as “Ladybug,” an amusingly codenamed assassin who has become resigned to his perpetual run of bad luck. His latest mission is to retrieve a briefcase full of ransom money, which brings him into conflict with a pair of twin assassins codenamed “Lemon,” played by Henry, and “Tangerine,” played by Taylor-Johnson. At the same time, another killer, played by Andrew Koji, finds himself blackmailed by an enigmatic young woman, played by King, into enacting a plan to take out his employer, known as the “White Death.”
While his work on “John Wick” had a much more serious tone, David Leitch also helmed “Deadpool 2” and his direction here more than proves his mastery of dark humor. “Bullet Train” is as hilarious as it is unrelentingly violent, delivering a two-hour nonstop ride of jokes and brutal fights that leave little room for a dull moment. These elements are consistently elevated by Leitch’s stylish flairs, such as immersive camera angles and cartoonish graphics that make the world of “Bullet Train” pop with life and identity.
Even the greatest action choreography in the business means nothing without compelling characters at the center, and luckily, “Bullet Train” is stacked to the brim with talent. For a wildly successful movie star, Pitt effortlessly slips into the role of awkward everyman doing his best not to screw up more than he already has. Taylor-Johnson and Henry prove themselves to be standouts, portraying their comedic duo with an appreciated warmth and poignancy. Michael Shannon is always a good villain and the “White Death” more than lives up to the hype. “Bullet Train” is without a doubt one of the best films of 2022.
