Hitman

Based on a video game of the same name, Hitman is a straightforward, stylish tale of a trained assassin called “Agent 47.” 47 dispatches his victims with passionless efficiency, a virtual murdering machine. He is played by Timothy Olyphant (Die Hard 4, Gone in Sixty Seconds), who looks the part of sleek killer in a suit and tie slightly reminiscent of the The Matrix’ Agent Smith. However, once Olyphant opens his mouth the character falters slightly. His voice just sounds so…American. The movie takes place in various European locales, every character has a foreign accent, and yet Agent 47 is the only person speaking like the average American Joe. It just didn’t fit, and it didn’t match his sophisticated appearance. The plot involves a botched assignment and a double-cross resulting in 47 turning rogue as he tries to figure things out. Sound familiar? Now that I’ve recited the plot, it sounds like a poor man’s Bourne Supremacy. In addition to its familiarity, the plot is bogged down by the pointless interaction between 47 and his “love interest,” the prostitute girlfriend of one of his victims. Her character was pretty much there to sulk and look exotic and helpless. One minute she fears 47, the next minute she’s trying to seduce him. By the way, he's not interested. Apparently this killing machine doesn't feel anything from the waist down. I also could have done without the gratuitous nudity; spare me the pointless boob shots honey. Oh wait, I think I just inadvertently sold some people on the movie.

There are definitely some stunningly violent scenes, featuring both gunplay and hand-to-hand action. Again, Agent 47 is fun to behold, when he’s not speaking. Other than that, Hitman is fairly forgettable. Perhaps gamers will enjoy seeing the embodiment of 47 on screen, but the rest of us could probably take a pass. Not bad, but not that great either.