Mikes Film Talk

The 2022 action/comedy film Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday sees Scott Adkins taking one for the team. As Mike Fallon must stop a lifetime job of assassination to be a bodyguard. Co-written by Adkins, Pat Mills and Stu Small, this follow up to Accident Man (2018) is a good one.

The title: Hitman’s Holiday is a nod to “busman’s holiday.” This is an English term noticeable by the use of “holiday” versus vacation.

The story

This is master assassin Mike Fallon’s chance at a “do over.” He must protect a nutty mafioso’s son. This entails killing the world’s best assassins. If he fails, pal Finicky Fred will die. One of the assassins he must face is his estranged father, Big Ray.

Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday Cast

Scott Adkins is Mike Fallon.

Ray Stevenson is Big Ray.

Perry Benson is Finicky Fred.

Sarah Chang is Wong Siu-Ling.

George Fouracres is Dante Zuuzer.

Flaminia Cinque is Mrs Zuuzer.

Beau Fowler is Poco the Clown.

Let’s Talk Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday

The first thing I saw Scott Adkins in was a 2008 action/comedy; The Tournament. He had a small showy part as a Russian assassin. He stole the show with his scenes. There is a pattern here. Adkins has a certain physicality. He is spot on with fight choreography and does stunts with an enviable elan.

In essence, the man entertains. Because on top of all the above mentioned traits, he can act. The mix up here includes first timer Sarah Chang. She kills it in this Pink Panther inspired subplot. *”Cato, no!” * Perhaps Burt Kwouk’s most recognizable role. Chang takes over this imitation of Kwouk’s trainer with aplomb. She is, in a word, brilliant.

Fowler is electric as the assassin who can feel no pain. His nerveless killer, a’la The World is not Enough; Renard ,played memorably by Robert Carlyle, is out of control. Poco the clown, as Fowler plays him, is kind of scary in that unsettling “clown” way. No wonder folks are afraid of them.

The late Ray Stevenson shines here as the father with a lot of pent up anger. He bounces off of Adkins well and the two make a good double team. Perry Benson continues to entertain in his quirky way.

Second Verse

This followup to Accident Man (2018) works. Adkins is great at what he does. If you are not a fan already? What’s wrong with you?

*Side note, Adkins himself reveals that the character Mike Fallon is from a comic book series. He has dreamed of playing Mike for years.*

The stunts and wire work, as well as the fight choreography are very impressive. These three reasons are an excuse to enjoy this violent romp. It is funny and hits (Pun intended.) all the right targets.

The Verdict

Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday is a solid 4 star film. It loses one star for not having enough Stevenson, who sadly died before this one aired. This is the most fun you can have for free. Steaming on Prime, Pluto, Tubi, and Peacock right now.

The Trailer