“The Killer’s Game” - DVD Review
After the unexpected success of John Wick, there’s been a resurgence of films about assassins who want to get out of the game. John Wick didn’t create the genre, but it did bring new life to this type of film. The Killer’s Game source material dates back to the 1997 novel of the same name by Jay Bonansinga. While they share similar themes, the execution of the two could not be more different. For those who come into The Killer’s Game expecting a slick, bloody revenge flick will likely walk out a little disappointed, even though The Killer’s Game is bloody and filled with revenge. For those who see The Killer’s Game as a sweet, goofy love story set with the world of assassins as a backdrop, there’s a lot to love.
Joe (Dave Bautista) is the best hitman in the business. He’s grown tired of the murder game, but also knows he doesn’t have a life outside this business to fight for. No friends, no family, no girlfriend to share his life with. That is, until he meets Maize (Sofia Boutella). Suddenly he has a future to look forward to. His joy is cut short when his doctor (Raffaello Degruttola) informs Joe that he has months, maybe weeks, to live. Joe doesn’t want to spend his days hooked up to a machine that will extend his life, but essentially confine him to a bed. He also can’t kill himself because then Maize wouldn’t get a life insurance payout. So Joe takes a hit out on himself. The only problem? It turns out he’s not going to die. Not yet anyway. Now, in order to find his happily ever after with Maize, Joe has to fight every single hitman who comes his way.
courtesy of Lionsgate
The Killer’s Game doesn’t take itself as seriously as John Wick, but the fight sequences are just as thrilling. Bautista’s Joe has the same gruff, loner mentality as Keanu Reeves’ John Wick, but The Killer’s Game leans into the absurd fun of this genre. The fight choreography is just as rhythmic and wonderful as Maize’s dancing, something The Killer’s Game blends excellently. The montage of the honeymoon phase of their relationship that cuts between Joe taking out targets and Maize performing with the Bolshoi is a joy of film editing. The match cuts of their actions are delightful, making it clear that the director is relishing the freedom of the medium. The Killer’s Game stylistically references the action movies of the ’70s with wipes, split screens, and title cards. Even the subtitle script is reminiscent of action movies of yesteryear in a way that pays homage rather than ripping it apart for their own gain.
courtesy of Lionsgate
Bautista elevates The Killer’s Game to the level of a hidden gem of the genre. Of all of the wrestlers turned actors, it’s Bautista who has proven himself to be much more than just muscles. His recent turn in The Last Showgirl allows him to flex his reflective side, but so does The Killer’s Game, which requires him to wear his heart on his sleeve and actually show an emotional arc. The moment when he surprises himself by laughing at Maize’s joke is so unexpectedly warm that it immediately endears Bautista to the audience. Sure, the ending is obvious from the get-go, but does that ruin the journey? The Killer’s Game argues that it doesn’t and encourages the audience to let loose.
The Killer’s Game is not a reinvention of the revenge or assassin genres, nor does it seem like that’s the task the filmmakers decided to take on. The Killer’s Game is a life-or-death love story grounded by a gentle, yet violently vicious, performance from Bautista.
THE KILLER’S GAME is now on Digital and will be available to own on November 19 as a 4K Ultra HD (+ Blu-ray™ + Digital) Combo Pack exclusive SteelBook® at Amazon. It will also be available on 4K Ultra HD (+ Blu-ray™ + Digital), Blu-ray™ (+ DVD + Digital), and DVD.
4K UHD/BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:
Meet Joe Flood
The Conductor
World of Assassins
Killed It!
Theatrical Trailer
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