What do you get when you take three of Hollywood's toughest, tough guys and put them in a thrill a minute action movie based on a shocking true story of espionage, assassination and the law of unintended consequences? You get, Killer Elite; starring Jason Statham, Clive Owen, and Robert De Niro this film gives audiences all the plot twists, violence and danger one might expect from a spy vs spy thriller.Danny (Statham) a mercenary operative who's lost his taste for the kill is called out of retirement to rescue his long time mentor, Hunter (De Niro). In order to save Hunter he has to kill three former SAS officers. His hunt brings him into conflict with Spike (Owen), the chief enforcer for the Feathermen, a secret society of former SAS officials who try to keep their finger on the pulse of the dark world of espionage. And predictably, the bodies start hitting the floor.
Director Gary McKendry flawlessly recreates the gritty underbelly of the 1980s for the look and tone of the film. But while the film is visually 1980s, the action sequences are the powerful, kinetic and brutal choreography we have come to expect from the top tier of modern action movies.
The supporting role of Davies is worth particular mention. Played by Dominic Purcell, Davies is a mercenary of few scruples but untarnished loyalty. Purcell will no doubt continue to garner accolades for his work in Killer Elite as well as some of his more memorable roles on TV and film. Yvonne Strahovski also does great work on screen in a truly anemic role as Danny's love interest. Certainly a case of under utilizing a tremendous talent, to the detriment of that aspect of plot.
Killer Elite promises audiences an hour and forty five minutes of murderous action and suspense, and it largely delivers. It's hard for a film to go wrong with three of the strongest names in Hollywood heading up the Marquee, and Killer Elite doesn't go wrong. Pay the $7 this weekend, Killer Elite is worth it.
