Title: The Killer’s Game
MPA Rating: R
Director: J.J. Perry
Starring: Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, Ben Kingsley
Runtime: 1 hr 44 mins

What It Is: Joe Flood (Bautista) is an assassin—possibly the world’s very best killer for hire. When he meets Maize (Boutella), he sees in her a woman worth giving it all up for. Then, the other shoe drops: he’s diagnosed with an incurable neurological disorder. Devastated, he puts a hit on himself. But when it’s discovered he was misdiagnosed, there’s no going back on the contract he initiated. Now, he must face off against some of the world’s top assassins, as the bounty on him grows larger by the day.

What We Think: A couple of quick things: this film is absolutely dumb, and it doesn’t care that it’s dumb. It’s also extraordinarily fun. Dave Bautista was made for a role like this—he seems to be having a ridiculously good time. Sofia Boutella, in her small role, is enjoyable too. This isn’t the kind of film you go into expecting high art. Just turn your brain off and enjoy the chaos. That said, the CGI blood is really bad—that’s one thing I genuinely hated. And, of course, the script is as dumb as the film itself.

Our Grade: C, Just go ahead and watch this. Have a good time. Don’t overthink what’s happening—just have fun, laugh, and enjoy the ride. That’s my best advice to you as an audience member. If you don’t like bad language or blood…well, first, what are you doing here? Second, this isn’t for you. But then, what is? Bautista is fantastic, and I believe this film has an audience, even if no one saw it in theaters. It’ll find its place—of that, I’m sure. So maybe jump in and be part of whatever this film is trying to do. I know I had fun, and I think you will too.