Friday, March 14, 2008

HITMAN

HITMAN WELL EXECUTED HIT
"Agent 47: Nika... Nika Boronina: Yes? Agent 47: Stop talking or I'll put you back in the trunk." Agent 47 (Timothy Oliphant) has literally been born and bred to be a top-notch assassin for the government (hense the bar code on the back of his head). One of his most risky assignments goes awry and suddenly he is the #1 target of choice for Interpol, the Russian Mob and other hitmen. So of course he must track down the people who set him up and make everything right in the world. He runs into Nika Boroina (Olga Kurylenko) when she is used as bait for a trap. They make a cute couple. What sets this story apart from the others, aside from it's tight choreography, is the banter of these two back and forth. He is on a fast track to accomplish his work and is surprisingly not the least bit interested in her romantically, although he does have a fondness for her. He doesn't have super-human powers, but he is so well prepared he should get a Scout patch for his efforts. This movie is slick and loud and stylish. There is something just a little off about Oliphant, but I liked him. I think Billy Zane would have been an interesting cast, but perhaps his show of emotion would have been too much for the character. It isn't the most original movie I've seen, however, it is still a good film and the characters and plot are interesting to watch. The way that he understands the reaction to something then he plans for that and uses it for his own actions. It's like he never reacts, he acts. Yes, it's a subtle note, but the one that kept this film above average.
PICK: Loved the characters, loved the action pace and scenes, nicely done.