Bullet Train

Set in Japan, faster than a bicycle, more powerful than a Lamborghini, able to go from point a to point b, deadly spies/assassins aboard a “Bullet Train” to retrieve a briefcase, only to face off with each other. David Leitch’s latest film starring Brad Pitt, earned mixed reviews from critics. As of August 2022, it is currently generating money at the box office. David’s next projects are the fourth and fifth installments of the “John Wick” series and adapting an Image Comics limited series titled, “Undying Love” into a film.

This review contains no SPOILERS. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article. Is Bullet Train enjoyable? Let’s find out, shall we?

Fast & Slow Aspects

Fast: Brad Pitt, Joey King, (one of my favorite actresses) Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Zazie Beetz, Logan Lerman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon & Sandra Bullock all did an excellent job for their respective performances.

Fun Fact: This isn’t the first time Brad played a hired gun. Does “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” ring any bells?

David Leitch did an awesome job coordinating the story. He also co-produced the film with Antoine Fuqua. (Training Day, Olympus Has Fallen, The Equalizer, The Magnificent Seven 2016)

Action Sequences are filled with over-the-top fist fights, guns-a-blazing and mayhem that made my adrenaline high. I haven’t seen an intense movie set on a train since “Unstoppable.”

Humor contains elements of black comedy and well-written dialogue.

Whenever a character makes his/her first appearance, a title card pops up revealing his/her name. A reference to “Smokin’ Aces” and “Kill Bill.” Heck, even Super Smash Bros Brawl’s story mode did it too. Don’t forget the “Borderlands” series whenever a boss battle starts, a foe’s title card pops up.

Cinematography was shot perfectly. I had an immersive experience making it look like I was in the train.

Visual Effects are Class A quality. Thank goodness they’re not cheesy as in Ryan Reynolds’ suit in that god-awful “Green Lantern” movie.

Bullet Train is best described as John Wick meets “Murder on the Orient Express.”

A briefcase plays a pivotal role. It also played an important part in “Reservoir Dogs,” “True Romance” & “Pulp Fiction.” I guess Mr. Leitch is influenced by Quentin Tarantino.

Each character has a codename. A nod to Reservoir Dogs and “The Taking of Pelham 123.” The latter is also set on a train.

Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. I was hooked from the beginning.

A children’s show is constantly mentioned. Never felt repetitive.

Each character has a distinctive personality, yet they have interesting backstories. I liked every single one of ’em.

Primary Themes are Destiny, Brotherhood & Luck. For an action-comedy, each one is handled carefully.

At first, I thought Bullet Train is gonna be mediocre. Turns out it subverted my expectations in a good way.

A familiar face or two unexpectedly show up.

There’s a scene during the end credits. You don’t wanna miss it.

Slow: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the Cast & Crew an Extra Point for making a flawless action-comedy as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Despite mixed reception, I really enjoyed Bullet Train from start to finish. I don’t understand why some critics didn’t like it. Someday, in the next few years, I think this film will gain a cult following like “Dredd.” If you have no plans for the weekend, Bullet Train is a must-see movie worth every penny. I hereby declare Bullet Train as my favorite film set on a train. So far, this is also one of my favorite movies of 2022 alongside “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” “Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe,” “Elvis,” “The Batman” and currently ranked number one is “Top Gun Maverick.”