Scott Adkins returns to the big screen in Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday. This action packed, comedic romp, is a sequel to the 2018 cult classic, Accident Man.
While the story picks up where original left off, with Mike Fallon banished from Great Britain, it is easily a stand alone project which offers something to newcomers as well as fans of the prior film. Stu Small and Adkins have teamed up, again, for the crafting and writing of this smart sequel; which accounts for the familiarity and smooth transition from the conclusion of the first film.
Set in Malta, the story revolves around the interruption of Adkins' new life, as he is forced to protect the ungrateful son of a mafia boss, save the life of his only friend, and rekindle his relationship with his maniacal father figure.
Adkins is the star of such films as Avengement, Savage Dog, The Debt Collector series, Legacy of Lies, and, the upcoming, John Wick 4. Scott Adkins is always fun to watch, and he is a masterful martial artist. Adkins and the stunt team have, clearly, elevated the level of action and fight choreography over this film's predecessor. This was not an easy task considering the original contains one of the best "one on one" fight scenes in martial arts cinema, between Adkins and Amy Johnston. In Hitman's Holiday they have managed to make each of the plethora of fights unique and engaging; that is no small accomplishment.
The supporting cast, old and new, is terrific. Ray Stevenson reprises his role as Adkins' surrogate father, while Perry Benson's role in this one is more substantial than his part in Accident Man. Aside from Adkins they are the only cast members to survive the original film. The remainder of the cast is fresh to this installment.
The series of assassin fights are among the most well choreographed and well filmed you will see. Without giving away any spoilers, the "Poco the Clown" fight, with Beau Fowler, is among the most original and engaging martial arts fight scenes ever filmed. There is no shortage of action and the fighting is not hampered by "shaky cam", poor cinematography, or noticeable stunt doubles. This is fight choreography and execution in its highest form. Blood Hunters' Sarah Chang is a dynamic and exciting addition to the cast. The scenes between her and Adkins pay homage to the classic, and memorable, Peter Sellers-Burt Kwouk brawls of The Pink Panther films of the 1960's. The scenes they share are some of the film's highlights, and they will have the viewer longing for more of this unusual pairing. Adkins' Accident Man Sequel is a Blast
The film is, at its core, a martial arts action film. From the first moment until the last it is a thrill ride of some of the best and most unique fight scenes you could pack into 96 minutes. However, the filmmakers manage to strike the right balance between action and comedy. The scenes featuring George Fouracres, the impetus for the film's chaos, hit their mark every time.
I did have some hesitation going into the film's screening because of the absence of Director Jesse V. Johnson, who adeptly directed the original. However, The Kirby Brothers do an outstanding job at the helm of the sequel. Their Direction and cinematography are on point, and, perhaps, more suited to the continuous action and fighting which defines Hitman's Holiday. The film has a unique and distinctive look. While it is violent, it is not dark. While this is not a high budget film by today's standards, you can not tell from the look of it. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Even the soundtrack works really well in this one.
As 2022 races into the 4th quarter Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday is the easily one of the best martial arts action films of the year.
Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday hits theaters and On Demand services on October 14th.
This one is worth seeing. It is really a good time.
