Today’s quick review: Hitman: Agent 47. Decades ago, Dr. Litvenko (Ciaran Hinds) perfected a method for creating genetically engineered assassins. Now Agent 47 (Rupert Friend), an assassin from the program, has been sent to find Litvenko’s daughter Katia (Hannah Ware), who holds the key to locating her father and continuing his work. Standing in his way is John Smith (Zachary Quinto), an operative for a company known as the Syndicate.
Hitman: Agent 47 is an action thriller about a remorseless assassin on the hunt for a scientist’s daughter. The movie is the second adaptation of the Hitman series of video games. Agent 47 takes a more violent stance than its predecessor, featuring more overt gore and a colder, more ruthless version of 47. Strong action, an engaging setup, and a passable plot make Hitman: Agent 47 a worthwhile watch and a fine take on the character.
The greatest strength of Hitman: Agent 47 is the way it frames 47 as an unstoppable killing machine. As well as enhanced strength and reflexes, 47 has a keen mind that puts him several steps ahead of anyone else. He never enters a situation without a plan, and he hardly ever fails to complete an objective. 47 also occupies a borderline villainous role, mercilessly gunning for Katia and Smith, who serves as her lone protector.
As far as story goes, Hitman: Agent 47 has what it needs but not a whole lot more. The plot centers around Katia, a crafty woman who has spent her life searching for the father she never knew. Unraveling who is after her and why takes up most of the movie. The structure of the story precludes anything more than a passing emotional attachment to any of the characters, but the movie makes up for this with plenty of stylish action.
Hitman: Agent 47 is not as solidly constructed as the best action movies, but it delivers its fair share of creative action. Fans of violent action will enjoy seeing 47 plan and improvise his way through an escalating series of challenges. However, viewers hoping for a deeper story with a more satisfying emotional arc will be disappointed. Give it a shot if you don’t mind action that prioritizes style over substance.
For a marginally lighter take on the same character, try the original Hitman. For a more human story about a trained killer, try The Bourne Identity. For stylish action with a stronger backbone, try John Wick. For a somewhat less violent action movie with some of the same dynamics, try The Transporter.
[5.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2679042/). I give it a 6.5 for imaginative action layered on a shaky foundation.