Director: Walter Hill
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jason Momoa, Christian Slater
Running Time: 91 minutes
Certificate: 15
Synopsis: Washington D.C. detective Taylor Kwon’s (Kang) law-enforcing partner, and James Bonomo’s (Stallone) partner in crime are killed by the same man. As a result, the two decide to form an unorthodox partnership and begin a revenge mission.
Based on French writer Matz, and comic book artist, Colin Wilson’s graphic novel, ‘Du plomb dans la tête’, BULLET TO THE HEAD is the legendary Walter Hill’s (THE WARRIORS) first feature film for ten years, and unfortunately, it shows.
While there are no earth-shattering flaws, there are no surprises either. We are treated to mediocre action and one-liners, as the plot feverishly hurtles towards an ending that anyone who has read page one of ‘How To End A Hollywood Action Flick’, by Jack Muscle-Farm, could have written. This book is available in the non-existent bargain buckets of most imaginary book shops.
As Bonomo offers up uninformed prejudicial remarks about Kwon’s ethnic background (he plays by his own rules), the two attempt to fight their way to the top of the criminal hierarchy, in a narrative that could easily have been lifted from numerous buddy cop films, or even a below par video game. Along the way, they encounter Bonomo’s inexplicably beautiful daughter, who – as you might expect – is little more than a plot device and obligatory eye candy.
For the most part, Stallone does what he does best; strut around apathetically, firing out tongue-in-cheek assertions, in between destroying men half his age and twice his size. However, as much as we all appreciate everything he has done for the industry over the years, it is becoming increasingly tiresome.
On a more positive note, it is heartening to see Slater act alongside Stallone (two greats in their own right), and Akinnuoye-Agbaje is a captivating villain at times, considering what little he has to work with. Also, a few of the nonchalant witticisms uttered by the ‘Italian Stallion’ are, admittedly, quite amusing, if in a puerile way.
Expect BULLET TO THE HEAD to make waves by breaking new ground in the action genre and you’ll be sorely disappointed, but expect a superficial ride with no inherent meaning and you should be content with letting the mindless carnage wash over you. Fun but forgettable.
BULLET TO THE HEAD arrives in UK cinemas 1st February.
