‘Killers’ (2010): A Breezy Marriage Rom Com

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Like most films, I didn’t see Killers in theaters. However it did surprise me as a title that thoroughly entertains, more so than any others I’ve seen in a long while.

Killers (2010) Film Review

An exotic location like France is the perfect place for one to get over a failed relationship. Sandy white beaches, a fabulous five-star resort, and foreign dishes is just the kind of “therapy” Jen Kornfeldt (Katherine Heigl) needs. The only snag in her plan is she’s the one tagging along with her parents on their vacation. Thinking herself pathetic to be on vacation with her parents (Tom Selleck, Catherine O’ Hara), Jen unexpectedly finds herself swept into a whirlwind romance when she meets Spencer Aimes (Ashton Kutcher).

Following their whirlwind courtship, the two settle into an idyllic suburb life where they exist peacefully for three years. However, just when Spencer assumes his past – a past his wife knows nothing of – is in the past, his former boss contacts him.

These “types” of movies are a dime a dozen (Knight & Day, The Tourist, Mr. And Mrs Smith), and each one wants to perfect this kind of light romance This because, irrespective of critics, the appeal of a knock-out-comedy tends to draw a crowd. Somehow even amidst the busyness of screeching tires, and the ring of gunfire, this is still solid entertainment.

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‘Killers’ (2010) – A Breezy Marriage Rom Com. Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl co-star in this hilarious #romcom! #Romance #RomanticComedy #WhattoWatch #FunnyMovies #MovieArchives Share on X

Even with some clichés, Killers does have some surprises along the way. From previews and other reading, I had this idea affixed in my mind of what might play out. Instead Killers wavers between being an outrageous comedy and a plucky comedy with heart. Basically after the first twenty minutes the laugh-out-loud funniness (from the character’s perspective) is over as the realization that someone is out to kill Spencer sets in. With so many mishaps in a row to counter this effect, the story never does become dull. The film has humor, a bit of sappiness, and lots of chaos, and really the girl-meets-boy bit wraps up during the film’s set-up. Then, the majority of its runtime see Spence and Jen married.

Casting directors put together a recognizable cast which essentially offers a wide audience interest. As an ensemble, the cast plays well together, and since this isn’t your typical “romcom” Kutcher and Heigl deserve props. Although somewhat stereotypical, Selleck and Kutcher share some hilarious “bromance” scenes. Then there’s the gorgeous vacation spots backdrop, a beginning that leads to a satisfying ending. I read once that this likely would have done much better at the box office had it not had such an uninspired one-word title. If true, this is just one of those missed opportunity scenarios.

It’s a pity this didn’t do better. The promotion is cute, it just didn’t seem to catch on. But, in a nutshell, fun is the operative word for this one. You’ll smile a little at the antics between Spence, Jen and her parents; and the script approaches marriage, believe it or not, positively. Because of this (and then some!), there is more than meets the eye to this killer of a comedy!  

CONTENT: Approx. six people die various different ways; several sustain multiple bullet wounds, another goes off a cliff. A ceiling fixture impales a woman. Fistfights break out that turn into more of an action-stylized scene. Profanity consists of the usual common variety; sadly, we hear the f-word about five minutes before the end. There’s sexual banter between a married couple (and friends); half-dressed for work, Jen and Spencer make-out and roll around on her desk; there’s crude references to male anatomy. On their first date, a fellow club patron assumes Jen is a prostitute because of her form-fitting dress. A big deal is made about a pregnancy test. Jen’s mother imbibes – frequently. Killers is PG13.