REVIEW: Bullet Train

While this film is in many ways different from what I was expecting going in, it did a terrific job of delivering an exhilarating, fast-paced story, breathtaking cinematography and heart-stopping action sequences.This is one of my favorite films of the year—it’s certainly the most fun I’ve had this year—and it doesn’t hurt that it features one of the best ensembles you’ll see on the big screen.Brad Pitt in the lead role is stellar, but don’t discount Joey King, Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor Johnson or Andrew Koji. King, in particular, was a deeply unsettling, maniacal, spectacular highlight. Likewise, Bad Bunny and Zazie Beetz make the most of their roles and add to the story in a compelling way.Throughout the film the characters are always fighting to catch their breath, and you feel that as a viewer. But it never felt rushed or forced—the story came across extremely consistent in its tone and pacing. It’s really fun to see everything unfold, and unravel.There’s not enough room here to get into the cinematography, but it’s stunning; not only the landscapes but every scene on the train felt purposeful, particularly the action.Overall, the movie had a strong heist-film-meets-Deadpool (but for adults rather than teenagers) feel to it. And it stuck the landing in a terrific way. I hope they do a sequel or spinoff of some kind. I want more of these characters’ stories.The bottom line: You’ll like this movie if you like action comedies. There is some gore, but it doesn’t linger—most of the time, anyway. 9.5/10