Bullet Train (2022) - Out Go the Lights - 8/10 (30/09/22)

Bullet Train is a highly entertaining action film with both humour and thrills that offers one hundred twenty-seven minutes of gripping entertainment. The movie is about a set of eclectic characters with different dangerous missions aboard a bullet train going from Tokyo to Kyoto.

This movie convinces on numerous levels. First and foremost, the different characters are all very unpredictable, memorable and diversified. For instance, we have a seasoned but unlucky assassin suffering from anxiety, a seemingly innocent schoolgirl who is more manipulative than anyone else on the train, a Mexican assassin and former kingpin of a drug cartel, a German assassin disguised as a mascot who specializes in poisons and two criminal brothers with an obsession for media franchise Thomas & Friends.

These different characters are perfectly incarnated by experienced veterans and talented newcomers alike. Brad Pitt convinces as charismatic protagonist in his strongest role since Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. British actor and martial artist Andrew Koji offers a particularly diversified performance as tormented father who wants to avenge his son's tragic death but soon gets manipulated by forces he underestimated severely. This movie's shining star is however an extremely charismatic Joey King who plays the psychopathic schoolgirl with much conviction.

As mentioned earlier, the movie offers an intriguing genre mixture. This film is filled with dramatic action scenes involving elaborate duels with knives, rapid gunfights and brutal martial arts elements. Bullet Train is also a thriller with a plot that comes around with quite a few twists and turns regarding the different characters. The film uses flashbacks to tell us fascinating background stories about the relations between the dangerous assassins. This film however also includes some slapstick humour in form of hilarious running gags and quirky situation comedy. These elements are thankfully never exaggerated and are genuinely uplifting rather than unnecessarily childish.

The settings are also particularly interesting and obviously give the movie its title. Aside from a very short introduction and conclusion as well as the occasional flashback, the entire movie takes place aboard a bullet train. There are certainly quite a few elements to discover from packed service wagons over play sections for children, first and second class sections and unusual restrooms to elegant restaurants. These locations are so diversified that the settings never feel claustrophobic and certainly don't get boring at all.

Despite the limited space in the settings, the movie has been shot with much expertise. Shaky cameras and epileptic cuts are thankfully being avoided as the camera work is dynamic but balanced and makes this rollercoaster ride easy to follow without ever losing track of what's going on.

The quirky sound effects and eclectic soundtrack blend in wonderfully and make you want to revisit quite a few catchy tunes. This sound is best enjoyed at your local cinema in its sheer beauty as home cinema simply can't compete with this stunning quality.

As you can read, Bullet Train is a dynamic action movie with little comedy and thriller elements that entertains from start to finish and leaves a lasting impression with its unique style. Murder on the Orient Express has been repeated to death and feels outdated by contemporary standards. Bullet Train is a welcome contemporary alternative that should appeal to teenagers, young adults and anyone who likes a healthy dose of a cinematic rollercoaster ride. Make sure to enjoy this very good movie to its fullest at a cinema. A special shoutout goes to all those who understand what inspired the title to this review. Rock on!