Upon its release, Bullet Train received mixed reviews from critics, becoming a classic case of a "popcorn movie" that divided opinion. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a "rotten" critics' score of 54%, with the consensus praising its action and casting but criticizing its story. On Metacritic, it has an average score of 49 out of 100, indicating "mixed or average reviews".
★★★★☆ (4/5) Best Watched With: Popcorn and friends.
The film's premise is deceptively simple. A group of assassins, each with conflicting objectives, all find themselves aboard a speeding bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. What follows is a series of violent collisions where their missions collide in a bloody and humorous spectacle.
In the summer of 2022, director David Leitch, the visionary behind John Wick and Deadpool 2 , invited audiences to take a seat for a commute like no other. Bullet Train , an American action-comedy, arrived in theaters on August 5, 2022, ready to deliver a high-octane, stylized, and often hilarious experience. The Bullet Train Film
Both versions of exploit this perfectly. The 1975 version exploits the fear of being stuck in a death trap . The 2022 version exploits the frustration of being stuck with annoying people (who happen to be assassins).
The Bullet Train Film The Bullet Train film, released in 2022 and directed by David Leitch, is a high-octane neon-soaked spectacle that redefined the modern action-comedy. Based on the Japanese novel Maria Beetle by Kotaro Isaka, the movie transforms a simple train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto into a chaotic arena for the world's most eccentric assassins. Starring Brad Pitt as the unlucky yet zen-seeking protagonist, the film balances bone-crushing choreography with a sharp, cynical wit.
: The film's primary antagonist, a ruthless Russian crime lord portrayed by Michael Shannon . Production and Visual Style Upon its release, Bullet Train received mixed reviews
A grieving father lured onto the train by the Prince after his son was pushed off a roof.
The film boasts a neon-soaked, vibrant color palette that matches its quirky tone, emphasizing the aesthetic over gritty realism.
as Lemon: Tangerine's brother and partner, who is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine Hiroyuki Sanada ★★★★☆ (4/5) Best Watched With: Popcorn and friends
is an explosive, visually slick, and wildly entertaining ride that thrives on its star-studded cast and relentless pace. While it may not have won over all critics, its success at the box office and strong cult following prove its appeal as a top-tier action-comedy. For fans of kinetic, stylish action and dark humor, it’s a trip well worth taking.
It’s based on the novel Maria Beetle by Kōtarō Isaka and stars an incredible cast including Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Brian Tyree Henry. The banter between "The Twins" (Lemon and Tangerine) is easily the highlight of the movie. 🧩 The Tone: It refuses to take itself seriously.
: Known for its "neon-soaked" visuals and creative fight sequences, the film blends dark humor with fast-paced combat. One notable recurring gag involves Lemon’s obsession with Thomas & Friends , using its characters to judge the moral fiber of everyone he meets.
Pitt offers a magnetic performance as a reluctant killer, bringing a sense of charm and vulnerability to a character who is often overwhelmed by his "bad luck".