Considering the history of movie adaptations of video games, Hitman is a pleasant surprise. In spite of an overused storyline, director Xavier Gens is still able to captivate audiences with raw and relentless action.
Based on the popular game series, Hitman stars Olyphant as Agent 47, a clone who carries the well-earned moniker of best assassin for hire. When Agent 47 gets framed in a politically driven conspiracy, he sets out to find those who tried to do him in (and in the process must elude a determined investigator hot on his trail). While Olyphant is engaging as a cold-blooded killer with a subtle comedic edge, Kurvlenko's role as the simpering Nika, a Russian temptress and Agent 47's eventual sidekick, is strongly lacking.
Hitman will please those who enjoy visually explosive action sequences and disgust those who can't stomach graphic violence. The movie is an impressive composite of gun fights, masterful sword wielding and old fashion hand-to-hand combat, all taking place in beautiful locales in Russia, Turkey, London and Niger. Still, the massive amount of action can't fully disguise a weak and unoriginal storyline, which follows a typical framed-man-out-for-revenge (and accompanied by a beautiful woman) formula.
But a tired story and a cast of relative unknowns shouldn't deter you if you crave an action-packed film. Hitman is great if you're looking to indulge in some superficial fun - just don't expect much originality.
