Hitman (2007) - a Movie Review

Hitman is an action adventure starring Timothy Olyphant and Dougray Scott. Timothy Olyphant is Agent 47, a genetically-engineered assassin working for 'The Agency.' His current mission is to assassinate Russian President Belicoff but after completing that task, he finds himself in the middle of a political conspiracy. With the help of Belicoff's mistress Nika, Agent 47 unravels the conspiracy with the Russian military and British Interpol hot on his trail. Warning: My review contains plot spoilers.

The movie is based on a video game and does give a small nod to the game in one scene. I'm not up on current video games, but after watching the movie I am sure I can safely assume the video game is very violent. I'm not complaining. I knew by the title of the movie that it would be very violent. I just could have done without seeing the machete scene. It was a little too graphic for my comfort.

Overall, I did enjoy the movie. I found the plot interesting and most of the fight scenes excellent. I wasn't really fond of all the spurting blood and splattered brain matter. Apparently I am developing a weak stomach with age. But I know the targeted audience loves that so I am sure it was appropriate for the movie.

Timothy Olyphant was excellent in the movie. When I first heard Timothy Olyphant was the hitman, I thought it was an odd casting choice but he turned out perfect for the roll. I thought he played the cold calculating killer with a heart perfectly. Dougray Scott was good as the persistent Interpol agent. I enjoyed Olga Kurylenko's performance as Nika Boronia but I did find the character a little annoying. She was very irritating at the dinner scene and completely clueless that Agent 47 was killing numerous people at the restaurant. I found it a little unbelievable that Nika wouldn't be a little more observant after the hell Belicoff put her through.

The DVD unrated version does contain some interesting deleted scenes and an alternate ending. I wasn't impressed with the alternate ending and I'm glad the producers picked the current ending. I am sure the alternate ending fits more into the video game reality but movie goers like happy endings so they picked the appropriate ending.

I give the movie 4 out of 5 stars. It is definitely worth seeing. I wish I would have seen it now at the theaters because I'm sure it was awesome on the big screen.