Today’s quick review: Hitman. Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) was trained from childhood to be the perfect killer. Now he is a ghost, moving from country to country as he assassinates targets and eludes Interpol agent Mike Whittier (Dougray Scott). But when 47’s latest job turns out to be a setup, he must outwit the Russian FSB and killers from his own organization in order to stay alive and protect Nika Boronina (Olga Kurylenko), the victim of a cover-up.
Hitman is an action movie based on the video game of the same name. The movie has a simple premise that serves it well: a contract killer is betrayed by one of his clienfs, dropping him into a frantic fight for his life. Timothy Olyphant is the centerpiece of the film as Agent 47, whose distinctive look and icy personality are the main things that set Hitman apart. The end result is a serviceable action flick with flashes of style but little innovation.
Hitman gets the basics of the action genre right. The action sequences feature a good balance of planning and improvisation from Agent 47. The greatest draw of the movie is seeing how he deals with each new threat that comes his way. His toolkit includes disguises, misdirection, and raw firepower, with enough variety to keep the audience engaged. And while none of the stunts are truly groundbreaking, their craftsmanship makes the fights fun to watch.
Hitman’s main failing is that it lacks depth. The story is a generic tale of betrayal with no unexpected twists and no deeper meaning. The movie does get some nice moments out of Agent 47’s interactions with Nika and Mike, playing with the idea of 47 developing a conscience, but it never goes very far in this direction. And while the setting has a touch of mystery and a bit of style to it, it’s not as vivid or as memorable as other action movies.
Hitman is a fine pick for action fans in the mood for something light and satisfying. Hitman does not reach very far with its characters or its story, but solid stunts and a serviceable plot give it everything it needs to entertain. Steer clear if you’re looking for sharp writing or a more elaborate plot.
For a more stylish and action-packed movie about a hidden world of assassins, check out John Wick. For an action movie done in a similar style, try The Transporter, The Punisher, or The Mechanic. For a more grounded action thriller about a highly trained assassin, check out The Bourne Identity.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for good action but nothing more.