In "The Killer's Game", protagonist Joe Flood (portrayed by Dave Bautista), a hitman suffering from debilitating headaches and double vision, learns from medical tests that he has an incurable disease which will soon rob him of his faculties and life. True to his profession, Joe sets up his own demise by placing a sizable bounty on his head. His hope? To depart with dignity and leave a $2 million windfall for his beloved ballerina fiancée, Maize (played by Sofia Boutella).
However, in a surprising turn of events, Joe's doctor sends him panicked messages revealing a mix-up in the lab results – he is completely healthy. Unfortunately, the news comes a little too late as the information of his bounty has attracted hired killers across Europe.
Amazon's action-comedy film, directed by J.J. Perry, skillfully blends romance, humor, and brutal action sequences, delivered by a colorful cast of eccentric assassins and the charmingly muscular Dave Bautista. The depiction of Joe's strong bond with his handlers Zvi Rabinowitz (Ben Kingsley) and his vivacious wife (Alex Kingston) contributes to the fun, lighthearted ambience.
Screenwriters Rand Ravich and James Coyne somehow manage to inject quirky black humor – which works only intermittently – into a narrative adapted from a book by Jay R. Bonansinga. The exquisite European locations, particularly Budapest's opera house, greatly enhance the visual charm of the film. The love story, with the hulking Bautista and nimble Boutella, against all odds, resonates authenticity.
Regardless, "The Killer's Game" inevitably wears out its welcome with a sense of déjà vu prevailing through the narrative arch. Still, the offbeat charisma of Bautista and the unique blend of genres make it an interesting watch.
