Bulletproof (2025): A High-Octane Throwback to Classic Action Cinema
Bulletproof (2025) explodes onto the screen as a gritty, adrenaline-pumping action thriller that blends modern filmmaking with the spirit of 1980s and '90s shoot-'em-ups. Directed by acclaimed action stylist Ric Roman Waugh (Angel Has Fallen, Greenland), the film stars John Boyega as a former black-ops operative forced out of retirement to protect a high-value target—and uncover a conspiracy that threatens national security.
The story kicks off in Chicago, where ex-military intelligence officer Mason Briggs (Boyega) is living under the radar after being wrongfully disavowed by his government. Haunted by a covert mission gone wrong, he has vowed never to kill again. But when his estranged brother, DEA agent Eric Briggs (played by Michael Peña), is murdered during a drug sting involving a cartel-connected weapons smuggler, Mason is pulled back into the deadly world he left behind.
Mason soon learns that the smuggler, known only as "Kovak" (played with chilling intensity by Mads Mikkelsen), has developed a next-generation ballistic armor—nicknamed “Bulletproof”—capable of making soldiers nearly invincible. With the help of cyber-specialist Lana Cruz (Eiza González) and a grizzled mentor from his past (Liam Neeson in a powerful supporting role), Mason sets out to bring Kovak down before the technology falls into the hands of international warlords.
What follows is a thrilling, globe-trotting chase across gritty urban centers, high-tech labs, and a spectacular final act set in the Arctic Circle. Bulletproof delivers action set pieces that are raw, grounded, and surprisingly emotional—thanks in large part to Boyega’s commanding performance. He brings a tortured depth to Mason, playing him not just as a one-man army, but as a broken man struggling to redeem his past.
Director Ric Roman Waugh keeps the tension taut and the pacing relentless. The action choreography is practical and brutally efficient, a welcome contrast to CGI-laden blockbusters. Fight scenes are tightly shot, and the film features some jaw-dropping stunts, including a motorcycle chase through a collapsing freeway and a zero-gravity gunfight aboard a cargo plane.
Visually, Bulletproof is stunning. Cinematographer Ben Davis (The King’s Man, Guardians of the Galaxy) creates a moody, textured palette that suits both the noir elements and high-octane thrills. The score by Junkie XL blends synth-heavy throwback vibes with modern tension cues, intensifying every firefight and emotional beat.
While the plot occasionally leans on familiar tropes—vengeful brother, corrupt officials, and a ticking clock—the film’s strength lies in its execution. The script, co-written by Waugh and Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Yellowstone), infuses sharp dialogue and moments of unexpected humanity that elevate it above standard genre fare.
Bulletproof doesn’t try to reinvent the action wheel—it perfects it. It’s a love letter to fans of hard-boiled action, with just enough heart and modern polish to stand out in today’s cinematic landscape.
With its mix of visceral thrills, emotional core, and standout performances, Bulletproof (2025) proves itself to be one of the year’s most exciting action films—and possibly the start of a new franchise.
