Parents' Guide to The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

The hits keep on coming, but the laughs are a bit weaker in this fun but uneven sequel -- and so is Michael Bryce. Reynolds' character is now traumatized from his efforts to protect Kincaid, and his efforts to restore his mental health are made fun of throughout. It's no surprise that the movie's dialogue references classic '80s action comedies, because The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard is a regression to that era's problematic attitudes. We're back to "men don't cry," "men don't need mental health help," and "men shoot stuff up" -- albeit with a 2021 twist: "so do women." And on that note, Sonia is just as violent and profane as the guys -- but for her behavior, she's called "crazy," because her actions and words are more emotionally reactive.

What made the first film a hit (no pun intended) is what always elevates action buddy comedies: the banter and chemistry between two equal opposites forced to work together. Adding a third person into the mix knocks off the balance. Now the Kincaids are teamed up against Bryce, so he's no longer the foil. Instead, he's positioned more as a puppy that they kick -- and that's not necessarily funny. Plus, the script just isn't as good and can be hard to follow. Still, the mistakes are covered up by cool stunts, fast action, and take-me-there scenery. Viewers go on a visual vacation as the threesome carries out their mission throughout glamorous European locales. Bottom line? The reliable magic of Reynolds, Jackson, and Hayek keeps some fun intact, but this shoot-'em-up actioner is less of a blast than it could have been.