The Hitman's Bodyguard

At the center of the action is a premier bodyguard who lands an unlikely client, a ruthless hitman slated to testify at an international tribunal. The two men start with hostility and a steady stream of barbed banter, but time is running out and their lives depend on cooperating. They must navigate a gauntlet of threats, betrayals, and escalating danger as they race toward the courtroom. Along the way, their clashing methods and growing mutual respect push them to reassess loyalty, risk, and what it means to put duty above personal safety. The clock ticks, the stakes rise, and nothing about the plan goes as expected as danger mounts around them.

Directed by Patrick Hughes and written by Tom O'Connor, the film released in 2017 as an original screenplay rather than an adaptation. It relies on a lean production style that favors practical stunts and fast dialogue, anchored by the lead chemistry of Reynolds and Jackson. Supporting turns come from Gary Oldman and Salma Hayek, among others.

The film grossed 176,586,701 worldwide against a 30,000,000 budget, signaling solid returns for an action comedy driven by Reynolds and Jackson and its brisk, banter heavy pace. It proved to be a reliable mid budget hit for its studio.

Fans embraced the Reynolds and Jackson dynamic, a fast paced back and forth that helped shape a popular breed of buddy action comedies. The movie's rapid quips and loud action set pieces contributed to a recognizable late 2010s tone, with clips and memes circulating online.

Critics offered a mixed to positive take praising the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackson and the film's brisk pace, though some felt the plot drags at points. It leans on humor and fast action to examine loyalty under stress, and it often lands more on entertainment than depth.