Movie Preview: Killer Elite

By Michael Vass | September 14, 2011

These days you just have to say Jason Statham, and action junkies line up to see the film. Thankfully he has yet to let them down. Well Transporter 3 missed on a lot of points but it had good actions and fight scenes, and the remake of The Mechanic was rather bland. Killer Elite does not appear to change that overall trend though.

The film is based on a potentially true story, that has never been fully proven of disproven. Taking place in the late 70′s, a group of British SAS members were targeted for assassination by an Dubei sheil whose son was killed during an operation in Oman. The book, called The Feather Men, is based on the surviving members tracking down and killing the assassins. The movie is based on this account.

There is no question that the film will feature Jason Statham doing what he is best at, quick complicated action scenes. The movie trailers in fact are betting that this will be the prime motive of movie-goers for the film.

Along the way, there is a plot. A rather substantial one for an action movie. Which may wind up surprising some action fans. Which is why veteran actor Robert DeNiro is in the film. He adds a touch of drama and credibility that helps move the plot as well as cement why things are happening. Of course DeNiro is no slouch in action styled scenes either, as seen in the film Ronin.

Lastly there is Clive Owen. A good actor who has specialized in playing quirky dark characters that are never exactly what you expect. He is more like DeNiro in his action film movies, as per Sin City. His foray into full on action, Shoot ‘Em Up, though a comedy/action film, left much to be wanted.

But the combination of these actors is the main selling point. Which makes us wonder, what about the rest of the film?

Yes we get the required explosions and shootouts. Yes there will be fights with unnamed goons and at least 2 other semi-boss underlings. Of course the good guys win, sort of. That is the formula. But does any of it work together when there is less than 2 of the major stars in a scene at any time? Will jason Statham has to carry the film much like he does in the Transporter films?

Also expect that the film will diverge from the book, specifically in a potential doublecross. Can’t say that there is one, but there is a hint that our hero isn’t saving the most virtuous mentor ever.

Most action fans will likely not care, if there is a good explosion/fight scene every 7 – 10 minutes or so. Still, this is not a pure action movie. There is going to be plot that has to be chewed through.

The expectation is that this will be a moderate success. There will be enough for fans of each of the actors and the genre to justify the cost of going to the movies. It is probably best as a DVD, where you can enjoy the action scenes over and over, and can jump from the slower plot scenes.

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