Sylvester Stallone?s action career has been slowly resurrecting since 2008?s Rambo. He?s back in rare 80?s action movie with Bullet to the Head.
Stallone plays James Bonomo ? a professional hitman in New Orleans. The film opens with Bonomo and his partner performing a hit on an unsuspecting hotel guest. To no surprise, their post hit celebration turns sour when Bonomo?s partner is killed by a mercenary named Keegan (Game of Thrones Jason Momoa). Too add to the 80?s movie nostalgia, there?s a nod to 48 Hrs as Bonomo must team up with D.C Detective Kwon (Fast and Furious? Sung Kang) to help solve the case.
It doesn?t take long before Bonomo and Kwon start roaming the streets of New Orleans, busting heads first and asking questions second. Meanwhile, Keegan is getting orders to clean up loose ends around town. With Bonomo and Kwon searching the city for answers, it?s only a matter before Keegan and Bonomo cross paths again.
The great thing about Bullet to the Head is it doesn?t take itself too serious. The 91 minute runtime says two things: 1) it?s going to be fast paced action 2) There?s no time to develop any characters.
Was there any need to develop these characters? Stallone and Momoa spend the majority of the film destroying anyone they cross paths with. Kang?s role is the stereotypical fish-out-of-water cop who can?t trust the local cops. The villains are disposable mercenaries and guys in suits. The beautiful Sarah Shahi plays Bonomo?s daughter whose only purpose is to be kidnapped.
Obviously, what makes this movie work is Stallone who?s back playing the same roles that have made him a mega star. From bathhouse beat downs to where house axe fights, Stallone shows everyone he still has something left in the tank. He adds a little extra with some quick wit and funny one-liners. Stallone even tosses in a few racist jokes from the 80?s Action Movie Manual.
Stallone and Kang?s chemistry is not on the level of Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte in 48 Hrs, but the two have a few good banter s and play off better than expected.
However, the film is not without its flaws. There?s no explanation as to why a D.C cop is in New Orleans covering the case, Kwon?s phone working after he was submerged in water was laughable, it?s not clear why Bonomo was double crossed, and Kwon and Lisa?s ?chemistry? was nonexistent.
For what it?s worth, Bullet to the Head is as much fun as it is laughable. There?s moments that are head scratching and moments that remind you why Stallone was once considered one of the best.
Grade: C
Source: http://blog.seattlepi.com/peoplescritic/2013/02/01/review-bullet-to-the-head/
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