The Killer’s Game (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“The Killer’s Game” (2024), starring Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, and Ben Kingsley, is a thrilling, action-packed movie that blends elements of comedy, romance, and intense action sequences. Directed by J.J. Perry, a seasoned stunt coordinator known for his work in the “John Wick” franchise, the film brings to life an intriguing yet familiar premise: a hitman who orders his own assassination after being misdiagnosed with a terminal illness. Although the film has its merits, it ultimately falls short in delivering a fresh take on the genre. This review dives into the movie’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as where viewers can stream it online in the United States.
Plot Overview
The plot centers on Joe Flood (Dave Bautista), a veteran hitman operating out of Budapest. He lives by a strict code of ethics, only accepting contracts to eliminate people who deserve it, and he works under the guidance of Zvi (Ben Kingsley). The movie opens with a violent, yet surprisingly romantic, encounter during a ballet recital where Joe meets Maize (Sofia Boutella), the lead dancer. Their romance blossoms quickly, and Joe begins to reconsider his life as a hired assassin.
However, his newfound love is disrupted when he receives devastating news: Joe has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease that gives him only three months to live. Faced with the grim prospect of Maize watching him deteriorate, Joe makes the drastic decision to put a hit on himself. But just as the contract is set in motion, he discovers that the diagnosis was a mistake, and he is perfectly healthy. Unfortunately, his attempt to cancel the hit is denied, setting off a deadly game of cat and mouse as Joe must survive the onslaught of assassins determined to finish the job.
Performance and Direction
Dave Bautista’s portrayal of Joe Flood stands out as the film’s greatest strength. Known for his roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Blade Runner 2049,” Bautista brings a unique blend of humor, physicality, and emotional depth to the role of the conflicted assassin. His chemistry with Sofia Boutella adds emotional weight to an otherwise action-driven narrative. However, the film’s attempt to balance romance with high-octane action often feels uneven, leaving both elements underdeveloped.
Ben Kingsley’s performance as Joe’s mentor, Zvi, adds gravitas to the film, but the character feels underutilized. Meanwhile, Pom Klementieff (of “Guardians of the Galaxy” fame) plays Marianna, an assassin handler with a personal vendetta against Joe. Although her character provides some tense moments, the limited screen time between Klementieff and Bautista is a missed opportunity.
J.J. Perry’s direction is heavily influenced by his stunt coordination background, resulting in well-choreographed action scenes that are the film’s visual highlights. However, the overuse of CGI in some of the more violent sequences detracts from the otherwise realistic stunts and fights.
The Good and the Bad
One of the film’s most notable achievements is its action choreography. Perry’s experience in stunt work is evident in the creative fight sequences, such as sibling assassins and the eccentric dancing hitman Emilio “El Botas.” These moments inject the film with much-needed energy and entertainment value. Fans of high-paced action will likely enjoy these scenes, despite the film’s overall shortcomings.
However, where “The Killer’s Game” falters is in its plot execution and character development. The premise of a hitman trying to cancel a hit on himself after realizing he’s not actually dying is an intriguing one, but the film doesn’t offer anything new to the well-worn trope. Comparisons to films like “John Wick” and “Bulworth” are inevitable, but “The Killer’s Game” lacks the originality and emotional depth of those films.
Additionally, while the romance between Joe and Maize is meant to humanize the hardened assassin, it never feels fully realized. The film attempts to balance action and romance but leans too heavily on the former, resulting in a love story that feels superficial.
Where to Watch ‘The Killer’s Game’ Online
As of its release, “The Killer’s Game” is available for streaming across various platforms in the United States, both for rental and purchase. Below are the primary services where you can watch the movie:
- Amazon Prime Video – The movie is also available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Prices for rental typically range from $3.99 to $5.99, depending on the video quality (SD or HD), and purchase options usually start at $12.99.
- Apple TV – Another option for renting or purchasing “The Killer’s Game” is through Apple TV. Similar to Amazon, rental prices range from $3.99 to $5.99, and purchasing the movie will cost around $14.99.
- Google Play Movies – Google Play offers the movie for rental or purchase, with prices in line with other platforms. It’s a convenient option for Android users or those with Google devices.
- Vudu – Vudu also provides rental and purchase options for “The Killer’s Game,” with the same pricing structure as Amazon and Apple TV. It’s an alternative for viewers who prefer streaming services outside the larger platforms.
- YouTube Movies – Lastly, viewers can rent or purchase the movie directly from YouTube Movies. This option is great for those who prefer to watch content directly on YouTube without the need for additional apps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Killer’s Game” offers a mix of entertaining action sequences and strong performances, particularly from Dave Bautista. However, it struggles to balance its romantic subplot with the action, and the overall narrative feels derivative of better films. While the movie is worth watching for fans of Bautista and well-choreographed fight scenes, it falls short of being a standout in the genre.
For those looking to watch the movie online, platforms like Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV offer convenient options for streaming, rental, or purchase.
