Theatrical Review: HITMAN
Rating: 5.5/10
Director: Xavier Gens
Writer: Skip Woods
Cast: Olga Kurylenko, Timothy Olyphant, Dougray Scoot
Studio:Twentieth Century Fox
Synopsis: Adapted from the hit video game, HITMAN stars Timothy Olyphant as the asexual, bald, and well-dressed assassin named Agent 47 bred from childhood to do one thing-- kill. We soon learn he is framed by his employers. Agent 47 gets mad, and lots of bullets are thrown in the mix. John Woo would be proud.
Review:
Production for this movie was shortly delayed due to the fact that they couldn’t decide who was going to play Agent 47. Vin Diesel was the primary choice for the role, and I was a bit bummed when I found out Timothy Olyphant would lead the movie, I just didn’t see him as a bald killer. But after seeing this, I have no complaints. (Side note: Vin would have stuck out like a sore thumb in this because the other hitmen looked around 5’9’’ and weighed about a buck fifty.) Timothy did a fine job playing a guy who is supposed to appear without feeling or emotions. He does however, pull off a one liner that would make Arnold Schwarzenegger very happy. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.
The only problem I had with this movie was the story. It could have been spiced up a bit. We have seen this over and over. A kickass hitman from a secret agency gets framed by his own company, so he goes after them. Somehow an incredibly hot woman gets involved. Occasionally, a “I’m gonna do this if you don’t shut up” joke gets thrown it. C'MON! But this movie is entertaining for what it is, and isn't necessarily bad. The focus was obviously on the action sequences, which is understood, since that's what made the game so popular and this is the best video game adaptation to date (I know we are all trying to forget MORTAL KOMBAT: ANNIHILATION, TOMB RAIDER and STREET FIGHTER). What kept me intrigued were the nice slow mos, fancy cinematography, and well choreographed gun scenes. Not to mention the hot sidekick didn't hurt either. I am sure the creators of the video game will be pleased.
If you plan on seeing this movie, don't expect too much out of it. Head to Movie Tavern with some of your buddies, grab a pitcher of Blue Moon, order a delicious cheeseburger, sit back, and enjoy the violence.
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