Bullet Train

 

     A Tarantinoesque  live action "Looney Tunes" cartoon starring Brad Pitt as a combination Bugs Bunny/Daffy Duck anti-hero. The action is fast, furious and blood spattered as multiple assassins all try to take possession of a mysterious briefcase while riding a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto.

    Mr. Pitt is a criminal for hire, trying to change his life, following the advice of his therapist. What starts out as a simple job to snatch the briefcase becomes more and more complicated as the train zips through the Japanese countryside. The brisk pace and cartoon violence never lets up and along with the colorful cast of characters, it's easy enough to disregard the simplistic plot and just enjoy the ride.

     The film co-stars Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benito A Martinez Ocasio (Bad Bunny), Michael Shannon, Zazie Beetz and the voice of Sandra Bullock (although we do get to see her briefly). There are also some surprise cameos. It's a great cast with everyone enjoying getting theirs in one smackdown or another. 

    While seemingly in a constant battle with at least one of the other characters, Mr. Pitt remains charming throughout, tossing off witty one-liners and great facial expressions. Beaten, shot, stabbed, poisoned by a snake, blown up, surviving a horrific crash, none of it matters as Mr. Pitt just shakes it off and keeps things lively and fun. A true live combination of Bugs and Daffy.

     The plot (such as it is) actually does come together at the end with the help of many flashbacks to fill in details. While witty and violent in a Tarantino sort of way, it lacks the style, depth of character and panache of Mr. Tarantino's own films. The successful trick the film does pull off though is convincing you there is a lot going on while in reality, nothing is really going on.