The Kill Room sees Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson reunite after their memorable roles in Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill: Volume 2. The black comedy follows an art dealer who teams with a hitman and his boss in a money laundering scheme. In the process they create an Avant-Grade sensation that pits the art world against the underworld.
Jackson is the clear highlight of the film. A supremely talented actor, he is responsible for many of cinema’s most quotable lines. He has some gems in The Kill Room that he will be able to add to his impressive collection. The rest of the film does not leave as much of an impression, however.
The main issue is the plot constantly comes off as too forced. Admittedly, in a story where a hitman accidentally becomes the name du jour in art circles there is only so much room to go with the flow. The premise demands silliness and goofy contrivances fill The Kill Room. For the most part, they work, but the ones that do not stand out.
Thankfully, the cast is always on top of their game. Along with Jackson’s always captivating delivery and Thurman’s magnetic screen presence, Joe Manganiello brings his effortless charm to a role that could easily have become too exaggerated to be enjoyable. The supporting players also add to The Kill Room.
Ultimately, it is these performances that salvage the film. Between the many zany characters and wacky situations it adds, the script is constantly in danger of going off the rails. Thanks to some well delivered laughs and some good old fashioned star power, The Kill Room remains an enjoyable watch.
The Kill Room comes to theaters September 29
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