The Killer’s Game Christian Review

In the world of action movies, it’s not often that we get something that tries to merge the exhilarating thrill of high-octane fight scenes with the lighter, more heartwarming charm of a romantic comedy. But The Killer’s Game steps right up to that challenge, tossing Dave Bautista into the mix as a rom-com lead, while keeping him firmly rooted in the tough-guy action mold he’s known for. The result? A movie that’s not quite sure where its heart lies but still manages to deliver enough to keep fans entertained—though maybe not as deeply satisfied as they could have been.

Now, let’s dive into what makes The Killer’s Game tick, and where it might miss the mark, especially for a Christian audience.

Dave Bautista: The Unexpected Rom-Com Lead

First things first: Dave Bautista is a big presence. Literally and figuratively. He’s carved out a niche for himself as the go-to guy for brawny, action-heavy roles, whether it’s in Guardians of the Galaxy or Army of the Dead. But here, he’s asked to do something a little different. Yes, there are still plenty of scenes where he’s bashing in heads and crushing motorcycles (yes, that happens), but he’s also tasked with bringing a softer side to his character, one that the rom-com elements of the movie hinge on.

And, to be fair, Bautista pulls it off. He has that kind of rough, teddy bear charm that’s surprisingly effective in rom-coms, even if the movie doesn’t give him a whole lot to work with on the romance front. You get the sense that there’s a more interesting love story lurking beneath the surface, but the film is too preoccupied with keeping the action fast and furious to really let it bloom.

Action-Packed, but at What Cost?

Of course, this wouldn’t be an action movie without some seriously brutal fight scenes, and The Killer’s Game doesn’t disappoint in that department. The choreography is slick, the punches land hard, and the violence is cranked up to almost grindhouse levels at times. Director Perry leans into the gore, pushing the boundaries of the R-rating with dismemberments and enough blood to make anyone with a weak stomach queasy.

And yet, for all the adrenaline-pumping sequences, the action feels almost gratuitous at times. There’s a fine line between necessary violence to drive a story and over-the-top carnage that exists purely for shock value. Unfortunately, The Killer’s Game sometimes crosses into the latter territory. For Christian viewers, this is where things start to get uncomfortable. Sure, the Bible is full of conflict, and we’re no strangers to depictions of violence, but there’s a difference between portraying violence with purpose and reveling in it for entertainment’s sake.

Philippians 4:8 urges us to think about things that are true, noble, and praiseworthy, and while there’s no denying that the fight scenes in this movie are technically impressive, they don’t quite fit the bill of what we’re called to dwell on. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment, but it’s worth asking whether the movie’s obsession with blood and gore serves any higher purpose—or if it’s just there to titillate.

A Romance That Could’ve Been

One of the movie’s biggest missed opportunities lies in the romance between Bautista’s character and his leading lady. In a film that’s supposed to be part rom-com, you’d expect the romance to take center stage at least some of the time. But here, it feels almost like an afterthought. The chemistry between the two leads is there, sure, but it never fully materializes into something memorable.

From a Christian perspective, this is a bit of a letdown. Love, after all, is one of the central themes of our faith. Whether it’s the unconditional love God has for us or the love we’re called to show others, there’s something deeply powerful about love stories when they’re done right. But in The Killer’s Game, the romance feels shallow, more of a plot device than a genuine exploration of two people finding each other in the midst of chaos.

There’s potential here for a deeper narrative, one where love transforms even the most hardened of hearts. But instead, the film opts for surface-level charm, never digging into what could’ve been a richer, more meaningful subplot. It’s a shame because Bautista has the acting chops to pull it off, but the movie just doesn’t give him the chance.

Where’s the Redemption?

At the heart of The Killer’s Game is a hitman who seems like he’s searching for something more. We’re introduced to a character who’s lived a violent life, but the film hints that he’s tired of it, maybe even ready for a change. In any other movie, this would be fertile ground for a redemption arc—something Christians are particularly drawn to. After all, the Bible is full of stories of people who find redemption after walking down dark paths. Think of Saul on the road to Damascus or the Prodigal Son returning home.

But, again, the film stops short. We never really see Bautista’s character wrestle with the moral implications of his life as a killer. There’s no soul-searching, no real reckoning with the blood on his hands. It’s as if the movie is content to let him stay in this morally grey area, neither fully embracing his violent nature nor seeking a way out of it. For Christian viewers, this can feel unsatisfying. We want to see characters grow, change, and seek redemption. But The Killer’s Game doesn’t give us that satisfaction.

Final Thoughts: A Fun Ride with Shallow Depths

At the end of the day, The Killer’s Game is a fun, action-packed ride. It’s the kind of movie you watch when you’re in the mood for some mindless entertainment—when you want to see Dave Bautista crush motorcycles and take down bad guys with ease. But for Christian viewers looking for something deeper, something that speaks to themes of redemption, love, or even just moral clarity, the film falls short.

That’s not to say it’s a bad movie. Bautista’s performance is solid, and the action is thrilling. But it’s hard to shake the feeling that The Killer’s Game could have been so much more. With a little more attention to character development, a stronger focus on the romance, and less gratuitous violence, the film might have hit closer to home for a Christian audience.

As it stands, though, it’s an entertaining but ultimately shallow experience—one that delivers on the action but leaves you wanting more in terms of substance.

Rating: 6/10
For the action fans, there’s plenty to enjoy here, but for those looking for a movie with a deeper message or a more satisfying character arc, The Killer’s Game doesn’t quite hit the mark.