In 2018, the action-comedy film Hitman’s Bodyguard, with a mid-range budget, raked in $176 million globally. Curious about the collaboration between “Deadpool” Ryan Reynolds and “Nick Fury” Samuel L. Jackson, audiences flocked to theaters and laughed out loud at the “fun” nature of the actors and the crew. The film turned a good profit, and the studio quickly greenlit Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. The action sequences and humor were elevated to new heights.

Hitman’s Bodyguard introduces the skilled and kind-hearted bodyguard Michael Bryce, who ends up crossing paths with the “frenemy” assassin Darius Kincaid. From initially hating each other to slowly becoming friends, by the end of the film, Bryce discovers he lost his license due to Kincaid’s actions. At the beginning of the second installment, the bodyguard is dealing with the consequences of this. Obsessed, he repeatedly dreams about Kincaid and even seeks out a therapist. After completing his therapy, Bryce travels to Italy, hoping the warm sun can ease his worries. However, fate has other plans, as Bryce is soon pulled into a new mission by Sonia Kincaid, the alluring wife of the assassin!

The trip across Italy is a mix of humor, danger, guns, and blood, with the trio of assassins, a con artist, and the bodyguard certainly providing plenty of laughs. Directed by Patrick Hughes, who also directed the first film, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard retains the key elements that fans loved about Hitman’s Bodyguard. The script, while a typical action-comedy that can be prone to errors, is meant purely for entertainment. The audience is just there to laugh and enjoy watching A-list stars like Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek strut their stuff on the big screen. Nothing else matters! or. His “Deadpool” face, full of comedic frustration, is enough to get laughs throughout most of the film. Compared to the first movie, Michael Bryce has more introspective moments. The film dives deeper into his past, revealing the painful events in the life of this endearing, stiff bodyguard. Of course, the back-and-forth banter between Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson remains as entertaining as ever, but the duo’s scenes with Salma Hayek are even more surprising.

Samuel L. Jackson is effortlessly charismatic, delivering the role of Darius Kincaid with natural humor, and his swearing becomes oddly captivating. Both Jackson and Hayek are seasoned stars who give their all on set. Thus, the dynamic between Darius and Sonia is both intimate and delightfully “gangster”. While Salma Hayek’s Sonia Kincaid played a secondary role in Hitman’s Bodyguard, in this sequel, she truly becomes the heart and soul of the film. Hayek is magnetic with her rapid-fire dialogue, shockingly funny insults, and at 55, her fiery body is enough to make countless younger stars envious.

Antonio Banderas, playing the antagonist in this film, makes a strong impression with his stylish, showy “nouveau riche” look that hides his underlying evil, perfectly matched with his Zorro-era gaze and voice. Fans of the action classic Desperado will be thrilled by the reunion of Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek. While time may have aged them, their screen presence is as strong as ever.

Although Morgan Freeman has limited screen time, his veteran star power never disappoints, and his character serves as a memorable highlight.

Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is an upgraded version of its predecessor in terms of both action and comedy. From cliff jumps and street racing to gang confrontations and fistfights, the action never stops. Between every few lines of dialogue, there’s always a zinger or a funny moment. The pacing is quick, thrilling, and always filled with surprises. The biggest shock comes from the final twist. Although the film is a strong action-comedy, it also offers moments of romance. The love story between the assassin couple and the con artist pulls the viewer back to reality, especially the touching moments where Darius and Sonia share a kiss while the romantic tune “Hello” (by Lionel Richie) plays in the background.

Darius fears nothing except his wife. Sonia is a woman who can kill without blinking but dreams of a sweet honeymoon and becoming a mother.

While critics might not rate Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard as a top-tier film, if you’re a fan of Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Antonio Banderas, Morgan Freeman, or just want a lighthearted, fun time at the movies, this is an excellent choice.