The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

Movie review by Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media
The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Profane, violent comedy sequel isn't quite on target.

R 2021 118 minutes
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Parents say

age 17+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 14 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the action comedy The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard is the sequel to The Hitman's Bodyguard. It re-teams Ryan Reynolds (as uptight, safety-first bodyguard Michael Bryce, who's still trying to regain his Triple-A certification), Samuel L. Jackson (as high-level assassin Darius Kincaid), and Salma Hayek (as Kincaid's wife, Sonia). As in the original, profanity flies as frequently as bullets ("f--k" is in practically every sentence). The body count is sky-high, with constant gunfire, stabbings, graphic headshots (and other wounds), and physical fights. While the first film was about Kincaid helping Bryce realize that some matters are out of his control, the goal this time around is making Bryce less responsible and more comfortable with killing. Equating masculinity with brutality (e.g., "men don't cry" and "men shoot stuff up"), the movie makes Bryce's emotional fragility the butt of the joke. And while Sonia is just as violent and profane as the guys, she's called "crazy" because her actions and words are more emotionally reactive. The Kincaids are honeymooning and are actively trying to get pregnant no matter where they are, although nothing more than making out and an over-the-blouse fondle is actually shown. There's some drinking, a character is drugged for laughs, and cocaine is talked about as if using it is a rite of passage to being cool.

Community Reviews

You Can Call Me Al
You Can Call Me Al Adult
September 4, 2021
age 15+

Come On, Parents

I created this account simply to respond to the other comments rating this flick. It's called the "HITMAN's Wife's Bodyguard." HITMAN. Did you really think that it would be rainbows and gum drops? Not to mention Ryan Reynolds and Sam L. Jackson are the leads. These two aren't really known for their kid oriented films, are they? Of course there is blood, violence, swearing, sex. It's your job as a parent to discuss with your children the importance of understanding the entertainment of the film and what is right and wrong. Discuss, don't shield. If your child isn't ready for this film, they aren't ready, but don't come on here saying how offended or disgusted you were. I say again, HITMAN. Hitmen kill people, ya know. If your parenting skills are top notch, and you feel comfortable watching this with your child, as long as you and said child both believe they are old enough and mature enough to handle to subject matter, watch away. Movies are meant to be seen, even if they are as dumb as a doorknob and lack any real emotional value.
3 people found this helpful.
jenonator
jenonator Adult
August 19, 2022
age 18+

More inappropriate than the first

More inappropriate than the 1st movie. Has the “c word”. and graphic discussion of sex acts involving beyond the pale type “humor”. With that said, I laughed my ass off. It was way funny and I love salma hayek.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE HITMAN'S WIFE'S BODYGUARD reunites Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson as blacklisted bodyguard Michael Bryce and assassin Darius Kincaid, respectively. Brought together by Kincaid's wife, Sonia (Salma Hayek), the trio is pressured into accepting an Interpol assignment to stop a powerful villain (Antonio Banderas) from destroying Europe.

Is It Any Good?

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard. Do you think there's a message underneath the carnage, or is this simply an action film that's not meant to be taken seriously?

  • How does The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard compare to other comedies in the way it approaches racial differences? Compare and contrast the ways in which race is addressed in other similar films, such as Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour, and Men in Black.

  • How does this film meet the criteria of the "buddy movie" formula so often employed in films?

  • Are drinking and drug use glamorized here? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?

  • Why it is important to support those who express a need for help when it comes to mental health? How does entertainment's attitude contribute to or eradicate a stigma when it comes to emotional wellness?

Movie Details

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