In my previous review, I discussed about the 2007 "Hitman", to which I ripped apart. I also mentioned that this was supposed to be the more beloved film by the fanbase, while the 2015 film is considered inferior and one of the worst video game adaptations. Personally, I don't get what people think of these days. The film starts off as a woman named Katia is being pursued by Agent 47, while being protected by a man named John Smith. Tables are reversed though as 47 was actually trying to protect her from Smith, who is an enhanced soldier. 47 and Katia have to team up to find the creator of the Agent program who happens to be Katia's father, as Katia learns that she herself is an Agent like 47. The story is like an odd blend of Codename 47 and Absolution, where 47 is trying to kill his creator and in the latter, chooses to protect a young girl who was part of the same program. I give credit that the story is easier to follow than the 2007 film, and attempts to use materials from the games. However, that still doesn't change the fact that the story is still generic. In fact, the narrative structure feels like a "Terminator" film at times, with Smith and 47 being almost cybernetic assassins and Katia having to be protected from either of them. Another thing I like is how the film doesn't try to force easter eggs and fan-service down my throat, compared to its predecessor. It focuses on being a film first, even if the film is not great.
Rupert Friend is perfectly casted as 47. He looks much older than Olyphant, has similar facial structure as the character, and gives out a monotone performance that 47 is known for. People complain about how his head is not completely bald, as well as the barcode being part of his shaven hair and not a tattoo, but I personally don't care about these changes as Friend delivers a much better performance that is the closest we can get to seeing 47 brought into live-action. Zachary Quinto is good as the antagonistic John Smith, though can come across as generic at times. Katia is well-acted and is engaging in some scenes, however she is bland in others. The rest of the characters more or less fill a typical role, such as the evil head of an organization or the troubled scientist. They are cast fine and act fine, but they are essentially forgettable. If there is one character that pisses off the fanbase, it is Diana Burnwood. In the 2007 film, she wasn't shown on-screen, let alone participated in the plot. Here, not only do we see her as a completely different ethnicity, but also sends another Agent to kill 47 at the end, which is the opposite of what is essentially 47's only human connection in the franchise. Even though the cast of characters are generic overall, I personally take them over the 2007 film, mainly due to Friend's superior performance as 47.
Just like the first reboot, this film is directed by another obscure European director, Aleksander Bach, who knows how to make a more visually pleasing film for the most part. Compared to the dirty, almost unfiltered look of the 2007 film, the 2015 film goes for a more cleaned-up, sleek look that while looks artificial at times, at least makes the film visually engaging. Even though the film is much lower budget than a typical blockbuster, it looks very crisp. Of course, the CGI would be fake-looking and the film tries to avoid using it as much as it can. The cinematography is actually very good with lots of wide shots and nice composition. The score by Marco Beltrami is shockingly awful, as it is mainly just the generic main theme playing in each of the action sequences. The action sequences is where it can make or break the film for fans. Let's talk about the good stuff first. The set-pieces are great such as the car chase shoot-out, there's some decent violence and the gunplay is mostly awesome to watch. However, we once again reach the issue of 47 killing too many people. To be fair, he avoids killing cops and is killing hired mercenaries instead, compared to the 2007 film. There's also the complaint that the action is too flashy or over-the-top for 47, seeing how the franchise is all about stealth. I don't mind this, since it feels more like Absolution when it comes to its inspiration and 47 is not only a highly trained assassin to withstand the odds, but he at least uses things from the games such as his piano wire, Silverballers, hand-to-hand combat, etc. If there is one real issue with the action, it is that the stunts and editing are pretty bad. Because of the rapid editing during hand-to-hand combat, particularly with the fights between 47 and Smith, you can tell that they did this in order to hide the stunt doubles for the actors. It is inexcusable, though that doesn't destroy the action. The filmmaking is actually very solid, even though there are some issues from the score and action.
"Hitman: Agent 47" is nowhere near the best video game adaptation, let alone a perfect film based on the games. With a mostly generic story, forgettable cast of characters, mediocre CGI, repetitive score, as well as the awful stunts and editing during the action. However, the film offers a pretty good performance from Friend as 47, very competent directing from Bach, great cinematography, and some awesome action sequences and gunplay. That's more I can say and get out of the 2007 film. Both Hitman films aren't very special, and I will always say that the franchise is more suited (no pun intended) to television. However, if you wanted to watch a live-action 47 kicking ass, this film is the best you can get.
Verdict: 5.5/10. At best, a harmless, fun popcorn flick. At worst, another stain in the perfect franchise that is Hitman.
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