The Hitman's Bodyguard * * 1/2

In this film they need to get someone who has been working as a professional hitman to the World Court to testify against an evil dictator who has killed lots of people.   The Hitman knows the evil dictator and his wicked activities, because his job before being incarcerated, meant he hung out with low-lifes.

Whoops. Franchise failure.

But the evil dictator doesn’t want the Hitman to testify against him so he sends out assassination squads to hit the hitman.  The prosecution team at the World Court figured this was going to happen so they hire a bodyguard to protect the hitman.  The Bodyguard has fallen on hard times but he gets the gig through a girl that owes him a favour.  

The Hitman and the Bodyguard loathe each other from the outset, but as they go through slaughtering and disposing of the trained assassins they begin to respect one another (didn’t see that coming did ya?).

It’s the oldest formula in the book - a couple of smart alecs. of opposite types, having to work together.  

They’ve spent big money on this with car smashes galore, explosions, and unending stunts.

It stars Ryan Reynolds and the redoubtable Samuel Jackson, both of whom must have known the producers a setting things up for a franchise, but I don't’ think it’ll happen.  It just lacks soul and feels more like a product than a film. It hasn’t received many good reviews and it’s not getting one from me either.