Bullet Train - Movie Review

Bullet Train Review

Jeremy Jahns reviews Bullet Train as a colorful, fast-moving crime-action romp about a group of hitmen whose plans collide aboard a Japanese bullet train. He praises the stylish, satisfying action and especially likes that the characters feel distinct rather than interchangeable.

Brad Pitt does strong work, but Jahns’ standout is the comic chemistry between Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Their banter is so entertaining that he says he’d happily watch a spin-off starring the two of them. He also enjoys how the story keeps him guessing, though he finds the plotting convoluted and occasionally feels the movie’s stylized flourishes are just drawing things out.

The film reminds him of the exaggerated crime movies of the mid-2000s, particularly Smokin’ Aces, but with a more unmistakably modern sheen. Around the 90-minute mark, he thinks it might be wrapping up—then realizes there’s another half-hour. That final stretch, he says, goes completely wild, delivering some of the movie’s funniest and most outrageous action.

His verdict: Bullet Train isn’t a top-ten movie of the year, but it’s a thoroughly fun time—and a good throwback for fans of stylized crime action.

People Mentioned

• Jeremy Jahns
• Brad Pitt
• Brian Tyree Henry
• Aaron Taylor-Johnson
• Director David Leitch