Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
A genetically engineered assassin with deadly aim, known only as "Agent 47" eliminates strategic targets for a top-secret organization. But when he's double-crossed, the hunter becomes the prey as 47 finds himself in a life-or-death game of international intrigue.
Hitman (2007) is a serviceable but largely forgettable video game adaptation. The plot is generic spy-thriller fare with a double-cross narrative that never develops real tension or intrigue, hampered by shallow characterization. Timothy Olyphant does what he can with Agent 47 but the script gives him little to work with, and the supporting cast is equally underserved. Visually, the film has some sleek, competent action cinematography with decent European location shooting that elevates it slightly above the norm for the genre. Novelty is low — the video game adaptation formula was already well-worn by 2007, and the film adds nothing distinctive to either the source material or the action-thriller genre. The ending resolves with minimal dramatic payoff, leaving the franchise setup feeling hollow rather than exciting.