Action movies often occupy a curious space in cinema, where they can sometimes feel mindless, yet undeniably entertaining. Their plots may be thin, character development minimal and dialogue occasionally trite, but the sheer spectacle of explosive stunts, high-octane chases and larger-than-life heroes taps into a primal enjoyment. It’s a kind of fun that doesn’t always demand deep thinking, but instead invites audiences to revel in the adrenaline rush that these films provide.
In their own way, action movies offer a welcome break from reality, a chance to lose oneself in the thrilling chaos and celebrate the art of pure cinematic escapism.
Lionsgate is set to release The Killer’s Game, directed by former stuntman J.J. Perry. The film follows Joe Flood (Dave Bautista), a legendary assassin who falls for Maize (Sofia Boutella), a dancer he meets during a mission. As Joe navigates a double life with Maize, he decides to leave his deadly profession behind and seeks help from his mentor and agent, Zvi (Ben Kingsley), to retire from the assassination game.
However, when Joe is mistakenly diagnosed with a terminal illness, he arranges his own assassination to ensure Maize receives his life insurance payout. But when he later discovers the diagnosis was incorrect and he’s not actually dying, Joe finds himself in a perilous situation.
With a hit already out on him from his arch-rival Marianna (Pom Klementieff), Joe must fight to stay alive and protect the life he’s come to cherish.
Dave Bautista has made significant strides since my review of My Spy. At that time, Bautista was still finding his footing as a leading man in action films, often relegated to secondary or ensemble roles, which was evident in his less-convincing performance in that film. However, Bautista’s acting skills have notably evolved.
In The Killer’s Game, he embraces the lead role with newfound confidence and ease. His line delivery feels natural and his charisma shines through, enhancing his portrayal of Joe Flood. While his performance might not be award-winning, it represents a marked improvement from his earlier efforts. This growth contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of The Killer’s Game.
The film is further elevated by a strong ensemble cast. Sofia Boutella brings a compelling balance to her character, Maize, embodying a sense of innocence that feels in need of protection in the dangerous world of assassins, yet also exuding a quiet strength that suggests she could hold her own in a fight. Ben Kingsley captures the essence of Zvi, the retired hitman-turned-mentor, offering Joe not only professional guidance, but also fatherly wisdom on life itself.
Even Terry Crews, portraying the hitman Lovedahl, delivers a nuanced performance that adds unexpected depth to what could have been just another antagonist hunting Joe down. It’s clear the entire cast enjoyed themselves, and that energy translates effortlessly to the audience.
The Killer’s Game embraces its identity as a mindless action movie, delivering a relentless barrage of over-the-top sequences that prioritize spectacle over substance. While the film offers minimal character development, it manages to inject just enough personality into its cast to keep them entertaining and engaging. The action scenes are wildly exaggerated, with choreography that borders on the absurd and a level of gore that feels almost cartoonish in its excess. The stunt work is genuinely impressive, with several moments so intense and visceral that they made me wince, their realism pushing the limits of believability.
At the center of it all is Joe, a protagonist who is essentially a human wrecking ball — nearly invulnerable, with abilities that verge on the superhuman. His capacity to endure seemingly endless punishment adds a sense of thrill and humor to the film, as he absorbs blow after blow and continues to fight on. Ultimately, the film’s charm lies in its willingness to go all out, embracing its outlandish premise with a sense of fun that makes for a wild, entertaining ride.
The Killer’s Game is a high-octane action flick that earns a solid five out of five stars for delivering exactly what it promises: a wildly entertaining and unapologetically violent spectacle. Dave Bautista shines as the leading man, showcasing just how far he’s come in commanding the screen with a mix of charisma and brute force that makes the film a thrill to watch from start to finish.
The entire cast brings their A-game, delivering performances that elevate the film beyond its simple premise and add layers of energy and humor that keep the audience engaged. The fight scenes are extreme in every sense — brutally violent, with injuries so intense they make you cringe, yet choreographed with a creativity that makes them mesmerizing.
The Killer’s Game knows exactly what it is and doesn’t pretend to be anything more than a mindlessly fun, adrenaline-pumping fight fest, leaning fully into its over-the-top action with a self-aware sense of joy that makes it impossible not to enjoy.