‘Bullet Train’ provides interesting action, memorable characters, not much more

Story by Aiden McClure, Reporter

Bullet Train”, rated R, is a 2022 film directed by David Leitch based on the 2010 novel “Maria Beetle.” The film gained traction earlier in the year with its star studded cast, offbeat humor, and striking visual style. With director David Leitch, best known for his work on “Deadpool 2” , it was easy for action movie fans the world over to get excited about this eccentric and over the top movie. But does the film hold up, or does it fall to the wayside and into the increasingly large pile of boring, uninspired action movie dribble that Hollywood continues to supply us with?

The film is set entirely on a bullet train speeding through modern day Japan, as six assassins with varying goals attempt to complete their jobs. As the audience we  follow Ladybug (played by Brad Pitt), an assassin trying to lead a more peaceful lifestyle after too many violent jobs. As the story continues, we are introduced to the bizarre and colorful cast of assassins aboard the train, as well as how each of their individual stories and goals are connected.

The movie can be incredibly fast paced at points, with characters dying almost as soon as they are introduced, leading to a very volatile atmosphere throughout. In contrast to its faster paced moments, the film slows the plot down on multiple occasions, with characters receiving special backstory segments, each with their own unique visual flair and unique music — reminiscent of the film “Smokin’ Aces”. Moments like these, alongside moments with heavy amounts of interaction between each of the characters, are what makes “Bullet Train” an enjoyable film. In spots where it’s over the top violence and convoluted plot cannot save it, the unique and zany cast of characters are able to carry the film.

With “Bullet Train” being an action film, there is also no shortage of insane violence and conflict. At points the movie feels as though it is trying to one up itself with how insane — and gory — some of the character deaths can be. Many of these deaths result from the movie’s absurd action sequences, which at their high points contain some very interesting use of props and setting to keep the audience on their toes. In stark contrast to these high points, many of the fights throughout the film suffer from poor choreography as well as a heavy reliance on shaky cam, which is most noticeable and nauseating in the second brawl between Ladybug and Tangerine. 

I would absolutely recommend this film to anyone who just wants to see a dumb, fun action flic with lots of violence and not too much plot to worry about. For those looking for a deeper plot or more cutting edge action, look elsewhere.