The Killers Game is a 2024 American action-comedy film that takes a swing at blending romance, high-octane action, and dark humor into a single story. Directed by J.J. Perry and written by Rand Ravich and James Coyne, this film is based on the 1997 novel by Jay Bonansinga. It stars an ensemble cast featuring Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, Scott Adkins, Marko Zaror, Pom Klementieff, and Ben Kingsley. Despite the potential star power, the film was a commercial flop, receiving mostly negative reviews and bombing at the box office following its September 13, 2024 release by Lionsgate.
However, like many movies in this genre, The Killers Game doesn’t aim for deep storytelling. Instead, it throws audiences into a chaotic mix of comedic moments, violent confrontations, and a somewhat tender love story. While it certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s fun to be had for fans of Bautista’s action prowess and those who appreciate absurd, over-the-top action films. But be warned: the film does struggle with uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a plot that’s more convoluted than necessary.
An Assassin in Love with a Death Wish
At its core, The Killers Game follows the story of Joe Flood (Dave Bautista), a veteran hitman who begins to question his life choices after meeting Maize (Sofia Boutella), a dancer whose life he inadvertently saves during an assassination in Budapest. After falling for her, Joe’s life takes a dark turn when he is misdiagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a fatal brain disorder that leaves him with just a few months to live.
In a desperate bid to provide for Maize after his death, Joe contacts Marianna Antoinette (Pom Klementieff), a deadly assassin with a personal grudge against him, and puts a hit on himself for $2 million. But things spiral out of control when Joe learns that his diagnosis was a mistake. Unfortunately, by the time he discovers this, he has already set off a deadly chain of events, with assassins from across Europe now hunting him down.
The rest of the film becomes a cat-and-mouse game, with Joe trying to outsmart or outfight seasoned killers while simultaneously navigating his complicated relationship with Maize. The film mixes bloody battles, comedic interludes, and romantic undertones, ultimately building toward a climactic showdown where Joe must decide if love and life are worth fighting for.
The Film’s Strengths
One of The Killers Game‘s most notable strengths is its action sequences. Director J.J. Perry, who has a background as a stunt coordinator, choreographs the fight scenes with precision and flair. Bautista, known for his physically commanding presence, delivers brutal and efficient fight scenes that are both exciting and well-executed. From hand-to-hand combat to gunfights, the movie provides the kind of visceral action that action film aficionados crave.
However, where The Killers Game shines in action, it falters in comedy. The film tries to balance moments of humor with its intense action sequences, but the jokes often feel forced and out of place. While some of the comedic bits land, many come off as overly self-conscious and lacking in subtlety. The supporting characters, including a variety of quirky hitmen and assassins, are meant to add comic relief but tend to be more irritating than entertaining. The over-the-top antics of these characters detract from the story rather than enhancing it.
A Refreshing but Underdeveloped Aspect
The relationship between Joe and Maize is a central part of The Killers Game. On paper, the idea of an assassin falling in love and trying to leave his dangerous life behind is intriguing, and both Bautista and Boutella bring their A-game to the romance. Bautista, known for playing tough, stoic characters, shows a more vulnerable side in his scenes with Boutella, adding depth to his character. Boutella, on the other hand, shines as Maize, bringing both grace and strength to her role as a dancer turned love interest.
Unfortunately, the romance subplot is underdeveloped, and the chemistry between the two leads is not fully explored. The film touches on Joe’s internal conflict between his violent past and his desire for a normal life with Maize, but it never dives deep enough to make the relationship feel truly compelling. Additionally, the film’s relentless pace leaves little room for emotional moments to breathe, making the romance feel rushed and superficial.
One of the film’s biggest disappointments lies in its portrayal of the antagonists. Pom Klementieff’s character, Marianna Antoinette, is set up to be a formidable foe with a personal vendetta against Joe. However, her character is ultimately underutilized, and the film never fully explores the depth of her motivations. The supporting villains, including Terry Crews, Scott Adkins, and others, are mostly there for the action sequences, but none of them leave a lasting impact. The film could have benefited from stronger, more developed antagonists to create a more satisfying conflict for Joe.
In the end, The Killers Game is a film that knows exactly what it is: a mindless, action-packed romp with a dash of romance and humor. Fans of Dave Bautista’s action-heavy roles will likely enjoy seeing him take on waves of assassins in increasingly absurd ways. However, the film’s lack of depth, repetitive gags, and underdeveloped characters prevent it from reaching its full potential.
While it delivers on the action front, The Killers Game falls short when it comes to emotional depth, character development, and cohesive storytelling. It’s a fun, flashy movie to watch if you’re in the mood for mindless entertainment, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression. For fans of action-comedy hybrids, it might be worth a watch—but temper your expectations.
In conclusion, The Killers Game is an amusing yet flawed entry into the action-comedy genre. It’s a film that aims for high-octane thrills and lighthearted humor but doesn’t quite hit the mark.
