Two similar films about slightly flawed people who secretly been subject to experiments that have given them special abilities, Hitman: Agent 47 and American Ultra open in theaters this weekend.
In the reboot of the 2007 film, Hitman: Agent 47 is based on the video game of the same name. Out is Timothy Oliphant and in as the Agent 47 is Rupert Friend. The story centers on Agent 47 who is hot on the trail of a woman, Katia (Hanna Ware ) who may know the whereabouts of a man who is the only person that has and can create super-assassins, like himself. Standing in his way is a government protector, John Smith (Zachary Quinto), who may be the only one who can stop him.
This action movie mixtape borrows elements from several familiar films such as The Matrix, Terminator, The Transporter and Wanted, just to name a few. While the film is very glossy and polished, it is also soulless and empty. There are too many instances of scenes that either make no sense or resolutions that are too easy to be believed.
Initially, Paul Walker was to star in this film but died tragically and was replaced by Friend. Too generic for fans of the game franchise and too much of a video game for ordinary filmgoers, Hitman: Agent 47 is simply a beautiful mess designed as an entertaining action movie that is poorly executed and filled with too many implausible moments..
While a Chrysler 300 might look like a Bentley, it never will be as good as the originator. No matter how many elements you borrow from successful films, Hitman: Agent 47 still remains shallow, poorly drawn imitation.
On the other side of the spectrum, a stoner loser and his understanding girlfriend find themselves fighting for survival when it becomes apparent that there’s more to their relationship that meets the eye in the action comedy thriller, American Ultra.
Mike (Jesse Eisenberg) is shy, introverted, stoner who is in love with his soul-mate and girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart) who loves him despite all of his flaws and lack of ambition. The only thing that Mike is passionate about is drawing his comics and getting high.
One day while working at his job at a Seven Eleven-esque market, he is approached by a strange woman (CIA agent, Victoria Lasseter (Connie Britton)) who utters a series of unrecognizable words to him. While initially it means nothing to Mike, in a matter of time it becomes apparent that her words have unlocked his secret identity and Jason Bourne-like abilities.
Caught in the middle of a battle between differing government agency philosophies, Mike and Phoebe must try to thwart the efforts of a narcissistic megalomaniac, Adrian Yates (Topher Grace) who seeks to eliminate this “dangerous asset.”
Eisenberg, who will play Lex Luthor in the highly anticipated superhero film, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, is an unlikely protagonist. Despite his shortcomings and the film’s other annoying elements including John Leguizamo’s irritating comic characterizations,
Reuniting for their first film together since 2009’s Adventureland, Eisenberg and Stewart pick right up where there left off giving solid performances as an appealing, yet troubled couple. While it is difficult to understand the attraction between them, ultimately the message that love truly conquers all as well as the sacrifices that one makes for love, are enduring symbols.
American Ultra possesses a certain charm and playfulness that will put a smile on your face – and you don’t have to be high feel the buzz.
Hitman: Agent 47 – Grade: D
American Ultra – Grade: B-