Bullet Train, directed by David Leitch (Deadpool 2 and Atomic Blonde), gives Tarantino vibes with its violence and Agatha Christie vibes with its coincidental actions. Something doesn't seem quite right about the train ride, with multiple connected characters showing up. The audience can enjoy the excessiveness of the popcorn flick while trying to figure out the mystery.
Brad Pitt is billed as the star, and while he gives a strong performance, he is a red herring, perfectly cast to hide the film's real story. Pitt's casting even helps create the mystery in the story. He gives the audience a strong, relatable character because he, too, has no idea what is happening and tries to piece it together.
The film's highlight is the relationship between two people on the train seeking the case, played by Aaron-Taylor Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry. Their banter over what is going on and referring to Thomas the Tank Engine gives a lot of laughs. I'm a stickler for cutting fluff from films, but the dialogue in this film makes it difficult to dispute—the pair nails the pacing and timing, landing joke after joke.
Joey King and Hiroyuki Sanada also give strong performances. I won't spoil their characters, although saying I won't spoil them sort of spoils them.
The stylized nature of the film makes it feel like Tarantino could have directed it. Heck, it even has Brad Pitt. The violence is excessive and, at times, comical. The film even mocks the "big reveal" scene by flipping it on its head with an additional coincidence. The combat is creative.
The almost staccato nature of the combat feels like a mix of dancing and Charlie Chaplin slapstick. The camera pans to the characters' faces before and after some act of violence, prompting the audience to laugh. The camera frequently acts as a passenger on the train, allowing the audience to view the film as if we are passengers on the train.
Filled with cameos, mystery, and surprises, Bullet Train is worth a trip to the theater.
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