Bullet Train is directed by David Leitch and Brad Pitt, written by Zak Olkewizc, and co-written by Kôtarô Isaka, the author of the Japanese novel Maria Beetle which Bullet Train is primarily based on. The film follows the story of a group of assassins on a train who find themselves interconnected with each other. However, Brad Pitt’s theatrical version follows a more traditional western style as opposed to Kôtarô Isaka’s original work on Maria Beetle with its more traditional Japanese influence. The film features well-known actors such as Brad Pitt, Bad Bunny, Joey King, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson who all play key roles in the film.

“The introduction of the comedic brotherly duo, Lemon and Tangerine help the film create hilarious moments in between the plethora of action scenes,” Lincoln Nelson states. 

The film holds a runtime of 126 minutes and is available for streaming on Netflix and has received stellar audience reviews averaging 76% on the popular entertainment reviewing site Rotten Tomatoes. While being praised by the audience, critics believed otherwise, averaging the film around 54%. 

Bullet Train follows the story of an unlucky assassin that goes by the codename Lady Bug, tasked to retrieve a briefcase filled with cash from an unidentified person. Later revealed to be “the Son”, unluckily Son is poisoned by another assassin on the train. Lady Bug now realizes that he has been caught up in a big scheme, he must use his skills to figure out what is happening. He does this while avoiding a handful of other assassins aboard the bullet train headed for a Russian Yakuza member known as “the White Death”. 

“The overarching shadow of ‘The White Death’ from the beginning of the film to his eventual entrance against the remaining assassins sets up a great imposing threat as it progresses,” says sophomore Dylan Parker.

Aside from the story’s plot, Brad Pitt’s Bullet Train offers a plethora of unique characters with their own distinct features as assassins, such as the British assassin Lemon who has an obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine. As well as his older twin brother Tangerine who later accompanies Lady Bug. The White Death, who becomes very important in the second half of the film, poses as a big imposing wall in control of everything against the remaining assassins as they are attacked by his henchmen.

“The assassin ‘The Prince’ boobytrapping a gun halfway through the movie ending up being her downfall for ‘The White Death’ was ironic as she believed that it would kill Lady Bug but instead killed her biggest target,” sophomore Dylan Parker explains. 

The film also features comedic moments sprinkled throughout, some during the fight scenes and some within the character’s dialogue before the next action scene occurs. These moments allow the viewer to enjoy the film without having to think about a message the film is attempting to convey or try to be critical of the film. The actors further this comedy with a cameo from Ryan Reynolds and Channing Tatum at the film’s end as train passengers.

“The unexpected cameo from both Ryan Reynolds and Channing Tatum at the end of the film was a great ending sequence ending this amazing film in a neat little bowtie,” sophomore Lincoln says. 

In short, Brad Pitt’s Bullet Train is a fun, enjoyable experience sprinkled with unique characters, comedic moments, and interesting fight scenes. All of the actors in this movie were very well portrayed and were allowed to have their moments throughout the film’s two-hour runtime.