IR Film Review: BULLET TRAIN [Sony]
The concept of an action film on a train definitely has been done in different ways from “Money Train” to “Unstoppable” to even “Snowpiercer”. “Bullet Train” is a little more motley than most and has its day-glo spin but, in a way, it is just enjoyable bubble gum with not much to it but enough interesting characters, comedy and fights to keep the ball rolling sufficiently. Brad Pitt plays Ladybug (his code name as for this specific op) and this seems to be the first time in a while where Pitt (as a person and actor) is just letting his comedy chops fly where he is almost being himself. “The Mexican” did this many years ago but that is a while back. That film is still great but it knew how to balance comedy and heart especially with some other great performances by James Gandolfini and Julia Robert.
In this film, Cate Blanchett was originally supposed to play his handler specifically more in voice over. Sandra Bullock came in at the last moment and is effective with the same approach (basically a glorified cameo of sorts). The thing is, after seeing their electric chemistry in barely one scene of “The Lost City”, the pairing however limited in that space was phenomenal. Here is a letdown, simply because the film isn't built for it. It is built as a movie after thought, which is fine...but Bullock and Pitt need to do a proper two-hander soon in the future (though she has said she might step back from acting again). David Leitch, director of “Deadpool 2”, was once Brad Pitt's stunt double so he knows him but here it almost seems like he is directly him more like Brad Pitt just hanging out (which might be the point). Pitt knows how to make fun of himself and this is him doing it on a grand scale set in Tokyo. Which is funny because it seems the film was shot completely on a soundstage at Sony in Culver City (which actually is pretty cool).
The collection of actors in the film is great and all are well conceived and executed in their specific stories. The film is based on a book and it jumps to explain the various connections. The most well drawn overall are the twins: Lemon & Tangerine (who are not really twins) played by Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor Johnson doing their best “Who's On First” routine to perfection but with a quick wit and physical play to it. The funny thing is that for maybe 20 minutes or so, the film focuses on them solely and doesn't switch back over to Pitt until their world is established. Which again is a bold move in a film like this and effective. Other participants include Zazie Beetz as an assassin as well as Joey King as The Prince (which is a play on anime heroines in a way) are effective and do both their roles well. Andrew Koji, who is so good in “Warrior” and had much more to do in “Snake Eyes”, is very underused here, functioning more akin to a plot ploy which is too bad.
Another character hat stands out just because he takes it to the nines is Bad Bunny as The Wolf who (like Pitt) gets the joke and their scenes are the most hilarious and energetic of the film. The tone is interesting if not a bit ping-pongy. As the plot moves towards the end, some other participants come in including The White Death who is teased for the whole movie. When he does comes in, it does take a minute (if you are not expecting it) to realize who is playing it. And again that is a beautiful thing to be able to structure a film like this with certain actors and still have these reveals (he wasn't in the trailer). “Bullet Train” isn't a work of sublime art by any means and it is not a great film (though much better than most this summer). But it is not trying to be anything more than a great popcorn ride, which is fine. You'll remember some moments. You might forget others. But this film is about coming back to the theaters as well. And the anthem from the beginning credits speaks to this. B
By Tim Wassberg
