The Killer's Game Review

Alright, so I finally got around to watching The Killer’s Game, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. This flick stars Dave Bautista as Joe Flood, a hitman who’s basically the best at what he does—until he decides to flip the script on himself. It’s filmed in Budapest, which is honestly a gorgeous city, and the movie makes great use of its stunning backdrop. The opera house, the streets, the whole vibe—it’s like a love letter to the place, wrapped in a package of bullets and blood. If you’ve ever wanted to see a beautiful European city get a little chaotic, this is your ticket.

Bautista’s Joe is the heart of this thing, and man, does he bring some cool humor to the table. He’s got this dry, low-key delivery that just works. Whether he’s dropping one-liners while dodging assassins or confessing his sins to a priest in a scene that had me cracking up, he’s got this effortless charm. You can tell he’s having fun with it, and it makes Joe the kind of guy you root for, even when he’s snapping necks or blowing stuff up. It’s not Oscar-worthy dialogue or anything, but it’s the kind of witty, tough-guy humor that keeps the movie from taking itself too seriously—which is good, because it definitely doesn’t need to.

Now, let’s talk about the violence, because whoa, this movie does not hold back. It’s really violent at times—like, limbs flying, blood splattering, throats getting sliced in creative ways violent. There’s a scene with motorcycles and chains that’s straight-up gnarly, and another where Joe lights a cigar with a flaming severed hand. It’s over-the-top, comic-book-style action that’s clearly not meant for kids or a cozy family movie night. If you’re squeamish, maybe sit this one out. But if you’re into that kind of thing, it’s executed with a sort of gleeful energy that makes it hard to look away. The fight scenes are slick too, thanks to director J.J. Perry knowing his way around a stunt, so it’s not just gore for gore’s sake—it’s got some style.

Is it worth watching? Totally, if you’re in the mood for some happy action violence. It’s not deep or groundbreaking, but it’s not trying to be. It’s a fun, bloody romp with a likable lead, a sprinkle of romance (shoutout to Sofia Boutella as Maize), and enough absurd kills to keep you entertained. The plot’s a little predictable—hitman hires hitmen to kill himself, oops, he’s not dying, now what?—but Bautista and the Budapest setting carry it. So grab some popcorn, maybe a beer, and settle in for a night of chaotic fun. Just don’t bring the kids—or anyone who faints at the sight of CGI blood. You’ve been warned!