Today’s quick review: Killing Gunther. Blake Hammon (Taran Killam) sets out to prove that he’s the best assassin in the world by killing Gunther (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a legendary assassin who has never been seen. With the help of his friends Donnie (Bobby Moynihan) and Sanaa (Hannah Simone), Blake recruits the best killers he can find to beat Gunther at his own game. But when Gunther strikes back, it’s up to Blake to finish the job.
Killing Gunther is a black comedy and action movie done in a faux-documentary style. The movie follows Blake and his team of bumbling killers as they try and repeatedly fail to take out the best assassin in the business. Killing Gunther has a goofy, easygoing attitude that spoofs the slick world of contract killers seen in other movies. Colorful characters and a good sense of comedic timing make the movie a fun, breezy watch.
Killing Gunther has plenty of rough edges, but they end up adding to its charm. The action is done on a budget, with cheap special effects and clear limits on the types of action scenes. The acting lacks the smoothness found in other comedies, but the choppier style fits the characters well. The plot isn’t meant to be taken seriously. It hangs together loosely, driven by petty motivations and capped off with a couple of ridiculous twists.
Killing Gunther scores points with its comedy, although its sense of humor is hit-or-miss. Nearly all of the movie’s gags come from either the ineptness of Blake and his team or the impossible prowess of Gunther. The jokes are simple but spirited, and strong comedic timing helps even the most predictable jokes land correctly. Still, the movie’s lowbrow humor and disposable treatment of its characters will not work for every viewer.
For the right viewer, Killing Gunther is a fun and creative comedy that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Critical viewers will find plenty of flaws in the movie’s modest production values, flimsy story, and cheap humor. But viewers with a taste for absurd humor, who are willing to relax and have fun, will find Killing Gunther to be a diamond in the rough.
For a wry British comedy about an inept assassin, try Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back). For a faux documentary with a sharper sense of humor, check out This is Spinal Tap. For a violent and stylish action movie about a hidden world of assassins, try Smokin’ Aces or John Wick. For a comedy that serves up similar humor with more skill, try Super Troopers.
4.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for hit-or-miss humor and an odd sort of charm.